A germination and micropropagation protocol for an endangered grass, Gymnopogon doellii, for ex situ conservation

Abstract

The conservation of endangered plant species requires the development of protocols relating to germination, seedling production, and micropropagation technique, particularly when considering compliance with environ­mental licensing requirements for seedling nurseries (ex situ conservation). These protocols are necessary to circumvent limitations inherent in the propagation of endangered plants. Gymnopogon doellii Boechat & Valls is one such species and is classified as a critically endangered species. This species is included in environmental licensing requirements and needs propagation and ex situ conservation solutions for subsequent in situ reintroduction. We found that use of germination chamber was crucial for its germination and seedling production. In addition, seedling transplantation was found to be more efficient than directly sowing in pots. The micropropagation protocol established in this study proved efficient in generating large quantities of seedlings, thereby enabling conservation in culture media for genotype maintenance (in vitro culture) and species conservation.