Micropropagation and Production of Somatic Seeds for Short-Term Storage of the Endangered Species Eryngium alpinum L.

Małgorzata Kikowska,Elwira Sliwinska,Barbara Thiem

doi:10.3390/plants9040498

Małgorzata Kikowska, Elwira Sliwinska + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9040498

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Abstract

Eryngium alpinum L. is a high-value herb and a source of important compounds that include phenolics, triterpenoid saponins, and essential oils. The present report indicates successful micropropagation of this species. In our study, medium supplemented with BAP 2.0 mg/L, IAA 1.0 mg/L, and GA3 1.0 mg/L was found to be the most suitable for long-term culture and for effective proliferation, irrespective of the passage number. Roots induction, without basal callus formation, was observed when individual microshoots were placed on Murashige & Skoog medium augmented with auxin, and formation was the most advantageous in the presence of NAA alone or when combined with IAA or IBA. The encapsulated propagules were tested for their capability to endure different storage periods under low temperature. Therefore, we developed an efficient method for synseeds production by encapsulation of axillary buds in the sodium alginate matrix, storage for 2, 4, and 6 months, as well as the regeneration process. The maximum regeneration rate of 74% ± 2.72% was observed for axillary buds encapsulated in 4% sodium–alginate complexed with 300 mM calcium chloride after 2 months of storage at low temperature. This is the first report on E. alpinum micropropagation and somatic seeds production.

Highlights

Eryngium alpinum L. in the Apiaceae family is protected by Annex II of the Habitats Directive; Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats; European Habitat Directive Natura 2000; and the national red lists [1,2]
Eryngium alpinum L. was introduced into in vitro cultures and the capacity to produce new shoots cultured on the media supplemented with different phytohormones was investigated [8]
Growth and the multiplication rate of E. alpinum shoots were greatly influenced by the chemical nature of the medium (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Eryngium alpinum L. in the Apiaceae family is protected by Annex II of the Habitats Directive; Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats; European Habitat Directive Natura 2000; and the national red lists [1,2]. Collection for ornamental and commercial use, and the influence of changes in habitats and climate have led to decreases in population, extinction of endangered species, and destruction of natural resources [4]. This alarming situation is raising questions concerning special efforts that should be made to protect plant populations. In vitro cultures can become an alternative source of raw material and allow for the generation of large numbers of propagules from a minimum amount of initial plant material from the natural habitat. The use of in vitro techniques in Plants 2020, 9, 498; doi:10.3390/plants9040498 www.mdpi.com/journal/plants

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