Morphological and anatomical features of narrow-leaved lavender plants with prolonged conservation under in vitro genebank

Optimization of plants long-term conservation under in vitro conditions and identification of their structural and functional features during preservation is the basis for the creation of a genebank of cultured and wild plant species in vitro. The aim of our work was to study morphological and anatomical features of plants in lavender cultivar ‘Sineva’ after two years of in vitro storage at low positive temperatures. The plant material was evaluated after 24 months of conservation. A significant decrease in the linear parameters of leaves in the preserved plants was noted. Leaf shape altered from narrowly linear to oblong. With prolonged storage, the thickness of the leaf blade slightly increased. The integumentary tissues were thinner, compared with the plants cultured under standard in vitro conditions, the cuticle was not clear. The number of stomata decreased. The number of small vascular bundles decreased. The obtained data demonstrate viability of in vitro preserved explants, despite significant differences in structure, preservation of chlorophyll-containing tissues, a decrease in transpiration, and an increase of trichomes number. The stability of the vegetative organs functioning was revealed.