Optimization of micropropagation technique for propagation of Sumatra benzoin (Styrax benzoin) as a step to produce good quality seedlings for conservation of forest plants producing medicines raw materials

Abstract

Conservation of woody forest plants that have high economic value is very much needed to prevent illegal logging as well as an effort to increase non-timber forest production. One of the forest plants of North Sumatra that needs attention is Sumatra benzoin (Styrax benzoin) because it produces frankincense resin which is used as a raw material for medicines. Micropropagation technique is the right strategy to produce seeds of the same plant as the parent plant in large and uniform quantities in a relatively short time. This study aims to obtain the optimum micropropagation technique to produce Sumatra benzoin seedling from one of the best quality parent plants as a strategy to increase the production of frankincense resin as a medicinal raw material. The source of explants used shoots from the mother plant which were cultured in media with various growth regulators. The research is an experimental study with variations in growth regulators using a completely randomized design with two factors, the concentration of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). The results showed that the concentration of growth regulators 2,4-D and 6-BAP greatly affected the growth and development of callus in culture media. The best condition was obtained at R2S3 treatment group with a combination of 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 3.0 mg/L BAP, where produce callus and shoots. Optimization of micropropagation techniques in this study is still being carried out in an effort to produce plant embryos that have leaves, shoots and roots that can be developed into good quality Frankincense seeds.