In vitro propagation of Gentiana dinarica Beck.

Abstract

Gentiana dinarica Beck, rare and endangered species of Balkan Dinaric alps, was in vitro propagated (micropropagated) from axillary buds of plants collected at Mt. Tara, Serbia. G. dinarica preferred MS to WPM medium, with optimal shoot multiplication on MS medium with 3% sucrose, 1.0 mg l(-1) BA and 0.1 mg l(-1) NAA. Rooting was not clearly separated from shoot multiplication since BA did not completely inhibit root initiation. Spontaneous rooting on plant growth regulator-free medium occurred in some 30% of shoot explants. Rooting was stimulated mostly by decreased mineral salt nutrition and a medium with 0.5 MS salts, 2% sucrose and 0.5-1.0 mg l(-1) IBA was considered to be optimal for rooting. Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimated and further cultured in peat-based substrate.