Micropropagation as a Tool for the Conservation of Autochthonous Sorbus Species of Czechia

Abstract

Members of the genus Sorbus are the only endemic tree species that occur in Czechia. They are important components of endangered plant communities. Their natural regeneration is usually problematic because of their mode of reproduction and because they can survive in rare populations with small numbers of individuals. The aim of this study was to develop a successful micropropagation protocol for selected Sorbus species, of which two are endemic (S. gemella and S. omissa) and two are hybrid (S. × abscondita and S. × kitaibeliana). We found significant differences in shoot induction and rooting ability between the Sorbus species under study. With the exception of S. × abscondita, N6-benzyladenine had a significantly greater effect on shoot regeneration, both in terms of shoot number and total shoot length, than meta-topolin. Root induction was key to the successful micropropagation of the Sorbus species studied. Our results show that four Sorbus species can be successfully rooted under ex vitro conditions, without a rooting powder treatment in a steamed peat-perlite substrate. Auxin-untreated microcuttings of S. gemella, S. × kitaibeliana and S. omissa, but not S. × abscondita, rooted better than ones treated with indole-3-butyric acid. This is the first time a micropropagation protocol for S. omissa, S. × abscondita and S. × kitaibeliana has been published.

Rowanberry—A Source of Bioactive Compounds and Their Biopharmaceutical Properties

“…From a historical point of view, in popular medicine, rowanberries were used in ailments for gastrointestinal blockage and malfunction, diarrhea and for liver and gallbladder problems. They were also used for bronchitis and for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, antidiabetic and vitaminizing properties [ 7 , 9 , 16 ].…”

“…Sorbus aucuparia is a species from the Rosaceae family, originating from the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and is often found in high altitudes. Presently, it is used in wood production and ornamental horticulture and can be seen in gardens and parks [6,7]. It is appreciated for its nutrition and for its Plants 2023, 12, 3225 2 of 25 medicinal properties [8], especially for its bright red colored fruits with their functional properties [6].…”

Study of the chemical components of CO2 extracts from the fruits of Sorbus aucuparia L.

“…Presently, it is used in wood production and ornamental horticulture and can be seen in gardens and parks [10,11]. It is appreciated for its nutrition and for its medicinal properties [12], especially for its bright red coloured fruits with their functional properties [10].…”

Response of Rowan Berry (Sorbus redliana) Shoot Culture to Slow Growth Storage Conditions

“…An application of ½ MS medium supplemented with 3.3 µM BA, 0.5 µM IBA, and 0.3 µM GA 3 has also been used effectively for S. rotundifolia [ 34 ]. Application of meta-topolin (2.1 µM) with IBA (0.5 µM) in MS medium was shown to be useful for micropropagation of S. abscondita and S. omissa , whereas S. gemella can be propagated on MS medium containing only meta-topolin (2.1 µM) as plant growth regulator [ 35 ]. However, a three- or four-week subculture period must be considered for micropropagated plants [ 36 , 37 ]; therefore, in order to preserve genetic resources more efficiently, it is advisable to use techniques that can significantly reduce the number of subcultures of in vitro cultures [ 37 ].…”