Practical Factors Controlling in vitro Multiplication and Rooting in Empetrum nigrum var. japonicum, an Endangered Woody Species

The plant Empetrum nigrum, valued in the traditional system of medicine, is well known for its antibacterial,antifungal, and antioxidant properties. In the present work, the effect of removal of shoot apical meristem (SAM) on shoot proliferation was studied. It was observed that removal of SAM promoted shoot proliferation whereas intact tip resulted in higher survival percentage. Further, the effect of different concentrations of BA on above was also studied. During root formation the effect of light quality after treatment with IBA was investigated. For rooting, continuous red light without IBA resulted in maximum rooting percentage. The above factors when taken into consideration during micropropagation of this endangered plant can result in healthier plantlets. The results show that the species could be successfully conserved by in vitro propagation system.