Efficient one-step tissue culture protocol for propagation of endemic plant, Lilium martagon var. cattaniae Vis

A rapid, one-step method for direct leafy and rooted bulblets regeneration of Lilium martagon var. cattaniae Vis. was established using seeds as the starting explants for in vitro culture initiation. Adventitious bulblets were regenerated from one scale explants on MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium supplied with various concentrations of plant growth regulators. The most efficient medium for multiplication was MS supplemented with 0.2 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) ranging from 0.25 to 2 mg/l. On average, five bulblets were obtained per explant after six weeks in culture. Upon rooting, about 200 plantlets were successfully hardened in the green house with a 95% survival rate. Preliminary experiments indicated that the plantlets from the greenhouse could be successfully used for field cultivation. In vitro propagation of this endemic and protected plant species is of great importance forgermplasm conservation.