In vitro propagation of Lychnis senno Siebold et Zucc., a rare plant with potential ornamental value

Abstract

Lychnis senno is a rare and valued ornamental plant. Seed propagation is not efficient because of the low germination rate. To grow commercially L. senno in China, a protocol for in vitro germination and propagation of this species was developed. Various germination rates were obtained by treating seeds with GA 3 during 1–6 months storage period. The highest germination rate reached 19.4% when seeds were treated with 250 mg/l GA 3 and stored for 5 months at 4 °C. Axillary shoot proliferation was induced in the nodal segments of the seedlings on medium containing specific concentrations of BA and NAA [Murashige, T., Skoog, F., 1962. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue culture. Physiol. Plant 15, 473–497]. Maximum number of shoots was developed on a medium supplemented with 5 mg/l BA and 0.5 mg/l NAA, while the higher shoots were observed on a medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BA and 0.05 mg/l NAA. Rooting was induced in 91.7% of the regenerated explants on a half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA. The plantlets grew well and flowered after transfer to the greenhouse. The chromosome numbers of seedlings and propagated plants were also determined to be 2 n = 2 x = 24.