In vitro propagation of Salvia Pamplonitana: a critically endangered and endemic species of Colombia

Abstract

This study aimed to develop an in vitro regeneration protocol for the propagation and conservation of critically endangered species such as Salvia pamplonitana, an endemic plant of Colombia exclusive to the Pamplona Community. Despite its ornamental potential, S. pamplonitana faces critical endangerment due to habitat destruction caused by human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion in densely populated regions. This research addressed the absence of biotechnological studies on S. pamplonitana by developing a methodology to promote in vitro germination and micropropagation, alongside contamination control measures for seed capsules and nodal explants. Successful regeneration of S. pamplonitana was achieved in in vitro from adult plants using nodal segments and seeds collected from a single individual in the University of Pamplona's greenhouse. Surface disinfection treatments for seed capsules demonstrated the significant impact of both NaOCl concentration and exposure duration on seed contamination and germination rates. Furthermore, the evaluation of surface disinfection treatments on nodal segments effectively managed contamination and oxidation levels, highlighting the influence of exposure duration to fungicide, isodine®, and alcohol, with higher concentrations and longer exposure times resulting in increased oxidation and reduced contamination, while emphasizing the widespread use of sodium hypochlorite for surface sterilization. Optimal shoot proliferation was observed with nodal explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l-1 (8.8 µM) 6-Benzylaminopurine and 0.05 mg/l-1 (0.14 µM) gibberellic acid (GA3), while rooting was successful on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l-1 (14.7 µM) indole butyric acid. The rooted plantlets were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions. Additionally, the study demonstrated enhanced germination through scarification treatment and absence of light, offering potential benefits for ex situ preservation, restoration, and reestablishment of S. pamplonitana populations in their natural habitat.

Keywords

• Salvia pamplonitana
• en peligro crítico
• regeneración in vitro