In vitro propagation of Eucalyptus phylacis L. Johnson and K. Hill., A critically endangered relict from Western Australia

Abstract

Abstract In vitro methods were applied to the only remaining plant of the Meelup Mallee (Eucalyptus phylacis), a critically endangered species from the southwest of Western Australia. Shoot explants were initiated into culture using a 1/2 MS \[Murashige and Skoog basal medium (BM) for all experiments\] liquid medium supplemented with 1% (w/v) activated charcoal, which was replenished twice daily, followed by transfer of explants to agar medium supplemented with 0.5 μM zeatin. Explants were cultured under low intensity lighting (PPFD of 5–10 μmol m−2 s−1) to minimize blackening of tissues, and some explants were induced to produce nodular green calluses in response to BM supplemented with 5 μM thidiazuron. Nodular green calluses were induced to form adventitious shoots following transfer to medium supplemented with 0.5 μM zeatin and 1 μM gibberellic acid, A4 isomer (GA4). Development of shoots was completed on 1 μM zeatin + 0.1 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) in vented culture tubes. Regenerated shoots were se...