In Vitro Propagation of Satureja Abyssinica (Benth.) Briq. – A Valuable Medicinal Plant

Satureja abyssinica is an endangered medicinal plant. The aim of this study was to develop micropropagation protocol for S. abyssinica using shoot tips. Cultures were initiated on MS media containing various concentrations of BAP (6-benzyl amino purine) and KIN (Kinetin). The best culture initiation (100%) with 16.30±0.95 mean number of shoot was attained in the presence of 1.5 mg/l BAP. In shoot multiplication media, different concentrations and combinations of BAP, KIN and NAA (α-Naphthalene acetic acid) were used. Maximum number of shoot (20.53±2.59) was obtained on MS medium fortified with 1.25 mg/l KIN. The greatest shoot height (3.41±0.36) was achieved in the presence of 0.5 mg/l BAP. The highest induction (100%) and maximum mean number of root (25.80±2.19) was performed on ½ MS medium augmented with 2.0 mg/l IBA (Indole-3- butyric acid). Best root length (1.98±0.09) was obtained on medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l IBA. On rooting media, best mean number of shoot (5.46±0.79) and shoot length (5.80±0.69 cm) were received on medium containing 0.2 mg/l NAA and 0.5 mg/l IAA respectively. Highest survival rate (96%) of plantlets was achieved during acclimatization. The present study is point out a great micropropagation protocol for this medicinally important taxon. Keywords: Medicinal plant, Micropropagation, Satureja abyssinica, Shoot tip

Development of an efficient in vitro propagation protocol for Satureja punctata - A rare aromatic and medicinal plant

Satureja punctata is an important aromatic and medicinal plant in Lamiaceae family. This plant is threatened mainly due to overgrazing, deforestation, over harvesting of the whole plant for medicinal purpose. This study was aimed to develop an efficient in vitro propagation protocol for S. punctata using shoot tips. Shoots excised from in vitro germinated seedlings were used as mother plant for culture induction on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) and Kinetin (KIN). Highest shoot induction frequency (100%) with highest mean number (8.25±1.64) of shoot per explant was obtained at 0.5 mg/L BAP. In multiplication media, among different concentrations of BAP, KIN, BAP×KIN and KIN×NAA (α-Naphthalene acetic acid), BAP × NAA found to be an optimum concentration with (26.20±2.71) mean number of shoots. The best shoot height (2.48 ± 0.13 cm) was achieved on growth regulators free medium, which was used as control. Half strength MS medium containing different concentrations of Indole-3- butyric acid (IBA), Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and NAA were used for root induction. The highest rooting percentage (100%), root number (5.90±0.48) and root length (1.55±0.11 cm) were attained in the presence of 1.0 mg/L IBA. Up on acclimatization, 97.5% survived plants were recorded. The results demonstrated that, this study was very important for mass propagation and ultimate conservation of this valuable plant

Vegetation structure and regeneration status of Anbesa Chaka lowland bamboo forest, Western Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Anbesa Chaka Lowland Bamboo Forest with the aim of determining forest sturcture, population structure and regeneration status of some selected species. A total of 70 sample plots, measuring 400 m2 each and 300 m apart, were established within eight transect lines to study the structure and regeneration status of the forest in the study area. Height and diameter at breast height of all tree species (DBH above 2.5 cm) in each sample plot were recorded. Regeneration status of tree species was also assessed in 5 m x 5 m of sub-plots at the four corners and the center of each main sample plot. Importance Value Index (IVI) was calculated for all tree and bamboo species. The structural analysis of the forest showed that the density distribution of individual tree species were comparable with distribution in the lower and higher diameter classes for some species individuals and a large number of small-sized individuals distribution for other tree species in the forest. Height class distribution of the tree species revealed a high proportion of individuals in the lowest height class. Tree species density was 281 per hectare and the density of lowland bamboo was about 8650 culms ha-1. The total tree basal area was 12.4 m2/ha and the mean basal area of lowland bamboo was 9.5 m2/ha. Importance Value Index (IVI) was calculated for all tree and bamboo species. Six general patterns of species were recognized from the analysis of population structure. Important value index, population structure and regeneration status could serve as criteria for species prioritization in order to maintain the biodiversity, cultural and economic value of the forest. Keywords/phrases: Anbesa Chaka, Lowland bamboo forest, Regeneration status, Species density, Vegetation structureEthiop. J. Biol. Sci., 10(1): 19-38, 201