Micropropagation of an Endangered Medicinal and Indigenous Multipurpose Tree Species: Erythrina abyssinica
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Date
2015
Authors
Kirika, Margaret W.
Kahia, Jane W.
Diby, Lucien N.
Njagi, E.N.M.
Dadjo, Colombe
Kouame, Christophe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
Erythrina abyssinica (E. abyssinica) is a multipurpose tree and a well-known
medicinal plant which is conventionally propagated mainly by seeds. This method may
produce a high degree of genetic variability and consequently decrease the medicinal
value of the plant. Besides, the seeds have low germination rate and propagation is
restricted to rainy season. Hence, there is need to develop a propagation protocol
which produces a uniform plants and one which is not restricted to seasons. The
objective of this study was to establish an in vitro propagation protocol for the
multiplication of E. abyssinica. Seeds were sterilized and germinated in vitro to get
sterile starting explants. Sterilization of the seeds was evaluated using different
concentrations of a commercial bleach (JIK) ranging from 10%, 20% to 30% for 25
minutes. Kinetin (2.25, 4.50, 6.75, and 9.0 mg/L), and benzylaminopurine (BAP; 2.15,
4.30, 6.46, and 8.61 mg/L) were evaluated in separate experiments for their effect to
induce microshoots from nodal explants. Rooting of the microshoot was carried out
using half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with indolebutyric
acid (IBA) (0.20, 0.51, and 1.02 mg/L). Statistical analysis software (SAS)
package was used to perform analysis of variance on the data to test the significance
of the difference between treatments. The result of the sterilization experiment
indicated that 10% JIK gave the highest percentage (55%) of clean seeds. Benzylaminopurine
evaluated at 8.61 mg/L gave the highest mean number of microshoots (6.80 ±
1.24) after 28 days. On the other hand, IBA evaluated at 0.51mg/L gave the highest
mean root length (6.00 ± 01.85 cm). The regenerated plants were acclimatized in the
greenhouse and 65% survival rate was recorded after one month. With the increasing
worldwide demand for medicinal plants as an alternative to prescription drugs, ex situ, in
situ conservation programs and true to type mass propagation of E. abyssinica could
benefit from the findings of this study. This is the first report on micropropagation of
E. abyssinica.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Erythrina abyssinica, Microshoot, Medicinal, Nodal explant
Citation
Horticultural Science 50(5):738–743. 2015.