Paper Details

Genetic characterization and in vitro propagation of three medicinal plants collected from high altitude sites

Adel E. El-Tarras, Attia O. Attia, Nabil S.A. Wad,  E.L. Dessoky S. Dessoky, Alaa A. Mohamed

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/6.6.37-46

Int. J. Biosci. 6(6), 37-46. March, 2015. (PDF)

Abstract:

Characterization is the first step in the conservation and utilization of indigenous genetic resources. A protocol for micro propagation of three important high altitude medicinal plant species (Ficus cordata ssp. salicifolia (vahl) C.C. Berg, Ficus palmata Forsk and Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertner) was established using nodal segments harboring axillary buds as explants. RAPD-PCR technique was used to characterize the three studied medicinal plants. In vitro stages of shoot initiation and shoot multiplication were studied by culturing the explants on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS). MS medium was supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of benzyl aminopurine, kinetin, α- naphthalene acetic acid and 2-isopentyladenine. For Ficus cordata ssp. salicifolia (vahl) C.C. Berg, the highest percentage of shoot initiation (86.6%) and the maximum average number of multiplied shoots (3.25) were observed on MS medium containing 0.5 mg/ l BAP + 1 mg / l 2iP. For Ficus palmata Forsk, the highest percentage of shoot initiation (92%) was observed on MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/ l BAP + 1.0 mg/ l Kn, whereas maximum average number of multiplied shoots (3.25) was produced on MS medium with 2.0 mg/ l BAP. For Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertner, the highest percentage of shoot initiation (93.3) was achieved on MS medium containing 0.1 mg/ l Kn + 3.0 mg / l 2iP with an average of (3.75) shoots / explants. Fourteen RAPD primers have successful PCR amplification and produced informative and distinct electrophoretic banding pattern. Different DNA fragments were produced and utilized for characterizing the studied plants. RAPD markers are yield different information and detect differences along the entire genome. Different studies are needed to collect, characterize and propagate other important medicinal plants from Taif high altitude regions.