In vitro propagation of Chirita moonii Gardn. (Gesneriaceae), a potential ornamental plant endemic to Sri Lanka

Abstract

SummaryAn efficient and rapid regeneration protocol via multiple shoot formation was developed for the endemic herb, Chirita moonii Gardn., which has potentially high ornamental value. Nodal and leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), thidiazuron (TDZ), or indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), alone or in various combinations. Regenerated shoots were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of BAP for shoot multiplication. Micro-shoots were established on full-strength or half-strength MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for root induction. The highest rate of shoot induction from nodal explants of C. moonii (8.3 shoots per nodal explant) occurred on basal MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l–1 TDZ, and the highest frequency of shoot regeneration was 100% on the same medium. The highest rate of shoot multiplication (12.5 shoots per shoot explant) was observed on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg l–1 BAP. The highest rate of shoot induction from leaf explants (22.4 shoots per explant) was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l–1 TDZ. The highest frequency of root induction (95%), the highest mean number of roots per shoot (8.3 roots per shoot), and the maximum mean root length (5.6 cm) were observed on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l–1 NAA. Plants were acclimatised, with a 91% survival rate, in a 1:1:1:1 (v/v/v/v) mix of sand:compost (leaf mould):charcoal:top soil in 6 cm 12 cm plastic pots in a net-house.