Protocol for acclimatization of in vitro cultured Potamogeton praelongus – aspect of plantlet size and type of substrate

Romana Prausová,Lenka Šafářová,Zuzana Kozelková

doi:10.5586/asbp.2015.003

Abstract

<p>The aim of the experiment was to determine suitable substrate type and optimal plant size for transfer of plantlets from in vitro to ex vitro under experimental outdoor conditions. Tests focused on the effect of substrate type (muddy and sandy) and starting size of plantlets gained through in vitro seed germination (0–3, 3.1–5,5.1–6, 6.1–10 cm) on plant growth. Three parameters (fresh weight, length, and the number of leaves) were compared to evaluate growth. Basic water parameters in experimental water tanks were regularly measured (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, shadow intensity) and controlled to reach similar conditions to those in the natural habitat of this species. Overwintering was studied in a cellar with newly defined size categories (≤6, 6.1–8, 8.1–10, 10.1–12, 12.1–15 cm).</p><p>Both substrate type and starting size of plantlets significantly impacted growth. Plantlets grew better in the muddy substrate while a 100% success rate of rooting was gained with a starting size of 6.1–10 cm in both substrates. The biggest increase in fresh weight was observed with a starting size of 3.1–5 cm and 5.1–6 cm in both substrates. The greatest increase in fresh weight was observed in plants with a starting size of 3.1–5 cm in the muddy substrate (more than 95% increase). The best overwintering results were gained in the 6.1–8 cm size category.</p>

Highlights

Potamogeton praelongus is a rare plant all over the world, being found in northern, mildly suboceanic and circumpolar regions
Seeds harvested in the rescue culture of P. praelongus at the Institute of Botany in Třeboň (Czech Republic) in September 2009 were used for preparation of a sterile in-vitro culture in Ostrava [5]
The soil substrates used in the experimental culture came from temporarily protected area (TPA), their chemical properties were different when used in the water tanks

Summary

Introduction

Potamogeton praelongus is a rare plant all over the world, being found in northern, mildly suboceanic and circumpolar regions It grows primarily in the northern part of Europe and in similar latitudes in Asia and North America [1] in running waters, lakes and water pools. In the Czech Republic, it is considered critically endangered and currently is only found in two rather poor micropopulations in oxbows of the Orlice River near Hradec Králové [2], where it grows in a layer of organic mud [3]. One of these micropopulations is native – in the temporarily protected area (TPA) “Rameno u Stříbrného rybníku”. P. praelongus was abundant in the CR from lowlands to highlands

Methods

Results

Conclusion