Protocol Optimization of in Vitro Propagation of an Endangered Endemic Medicinal Plant, Echinops Kebericho, Through Shoot Tip Culture

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2016-12

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

Echinops kebericho is the most important and critically endangered Ethiopian medicinal plant in Asteraceae family. This plant is threatened due to the commercial harvesting and sale of its roots. This study was aimed to develop efficient in vitro propagation protocol for E. kebericho using shoot tip explants. Shoots excised from in vitro germinated seedlings were used as explants for culture initiation on Murashige and Skoog (1962) (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l kinetin (KIN). The in vitro initiated shoot tips were transferred onto solid MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of KIN in combination with BAP, KIN in combination with IBA and BAP in combination with IBA were used for shoot multiplication. For rooting, full, half and 1/3 strength MS medium supplemented with IAA was used. MS medium without PGRs was used as control. The result showed that highest mean number (14.44±0.29) of shoots per explant was obtained on a medium containing combination of 0.5 mg/l KIN with 0.5 mg/l IBA and the highest shoot height (6.50±0.28 cm) was obtained on multiplication medium fortified with 1.0 mg/l KIN in combination with 0.5 mg/l IBA. Maximum number of healthy roots (6.8±0.39) was observed on 1/3 strength MS medium containing 0.1mg/ IAA. Maximum root length of 4.68±0.22cm was achieved on 1/3 strength MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l IAA. Up on acclimatization, 85.5% plants survived. The results demonstrated that, this study is important for mass propagation and ultimate conservation of this endangered medicinal plant. Key words: Echinops kebericho; In vitro propagation; Medicinal Plant; Plant Growth Regulator

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Keywords

Echinops kebericho; In vitro propagation; Medicinal Plant; Plant Growth Regulator

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