In vitro propagation of Angelica pancicii Vauds., an endangered plant species in Bulgaria

Abstract

6 pages, 1 figure, 2 tables, 21 references.Angelica pancicii (Vands.) is an endemic, endangered, protected species in Bulgaria. This situation is mainly due to the excess of harvesting and the difficulties of seed germination and plant propagation. Seeds from mature fruits harvested in different areas of Bulgaria were used as plant material. Later in Seville (Spain) the seeds were subjected to different germination methods and the seedlings multiplicated in vitro. Seeds did not germinate using traditional germination methods, even when seed cold storage (4 months at 4°C) and GA3 applications were used. Combining seed cold storage (2 months at 4°C) and in vitro culture on 1/3 MS medium with 30 mg. l-1 of GA3 a high level of germination was reached (63%). In vitro culture of isolated embryos was a third method of germination investigated. Though the germination level with this method did not overcome that of the in vitro germinated seeds, germination time was clearly decreased and seed cold storage was unnecessary. Whole plantlets (87%) were regenerated from rhizoma seedling explants by culturing in vitro, first on MS medium with 2 mg.l-1 BAP (multiplication) and then on the same medium with 1 mg.l-1 NAA (rooting). After 60 days of in vitro culture, both seedlings and plantlets were successfully transplanted and hardened to outside conditions, from which well developed plants were obtained.Peer reviewe