In vitro conservation of Valeriana officinalis L. through minimal growth

Abstract

Minimal growth storage could be utilized for in vitro plant conservation. Modifying the culture medium or the environmental condition can reduce the plant growth. The aim of the experiment is to observe the effect of macronutrients on the reduction of valerian culture This research was conducted at Tissue Culture Laboratory at the Indonesian Crops and Medicinal Research Institute (ISMCRI). Single axillary buds with leaves of valerian were used as explants. The treatment applied were :1) full-MS medium + 0.1 mg l-1 BAP, 2) ¾ MS + 0.1 mg l-1 BAP, 3) ½ MS + 0.1 mg l-1 BAP and, 4) ¼ MS + 0.1 mg l-1 BAP. After 12 weeks of conservation, the cultures were transferred into a plant growth regulator free-MS medium to observe their regeneration ability after the conservation. Then, the cultures were acclimatized at the greenhouse to observe their further growth. The result showed that using ¼ MS + 0.1 mg l-1 BAP was the best treatment to reduce the growth during 12 weeks of conservation. After in vitro storage, the cultures can grow normally in full strength plant growth regulator free-MS medium, which was characterized by the formation of new shoots. Valerian also produced roots in the same medium. All acclimatized plantlets were successfully established at the greenhouse.