A review on genetic diversity, micropropagation and transformations in the high-value medicinal plant of Himalayas-Seabuckthorn (Hippophae sp.)

Abstract

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae sp.) is popularly known as the "Gold Rush" for its commercial value. It holds well-established vegetative propagation and in vitro regeneration techniques. Accordingly, micropropagation of Hippophae sp. from multiple explants follows the developmental stages of establishment, shoot proliferation, and rooting. The successful in vitro propagation protocols utilized Murashige and Skoog medium and Woody Plant Medium supplemented with cytokinin for shoot organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, and auxins for high rooting frequency. Subsequent acclimatization of Hippophae sp. with a reasonable survival rate was recorded under greenhouse conditions. The genetic transformations in seabuckthorn are yet to be studied in detail. Still, initial studies were performed with conventional methods using Agrobacterium rhizogenes (indirect) and biolistics (direct), which could support extensive transformation research in the future for commercialization and conservation. This short review provides an overview of compiled works on the tissue culture of Hippophae rhamnoides and Hippophae salicifolia that could assist in further assessment and vast applications.