Particular aspects of snapdragon Antirrhinum majus L. in vitro cultivation

Abstract

Background. Annual ornamental crops are in demand in the landscaping of public spaces and private gardens, and are also grown outdoors or in greenhouses for cutting. The accelerated production of high-quality ornamental plant cultivars requires the use of biotechnological techniques, such as the introduction into aseptic conditions, in vitro cultivation, and viable organogenic callus production. Materials and methods. The study focused on the Antirrhinum majus L. cultivars from the VIR collection. The explants of each cultivar in the form of young shoots with buds were introduced into aseptic conditions after sterilization, and then the plants were transferred to media containing growth regulators that promote accelerated microclonal propagation, rhizogenesis, or callusogenesis. Results and discussion. The introduction of A. majus plants into aseptic conditions was highly effective. Media for microclonal propagation, root formation, and callusogenesis were selected. A high intensity of formation of new shoots for cuttings was observed on all cultivation media. The best results for root formation were achieved on media supplemented with IAA and NAA. The highest efficiency for callus formation was observed on a medium containing 1 mg/L of BAP, 1 mg/L of 2,4-D, and 1 mg/L of NAA. Substrates for ex vitro plant adaptation have been selected to ensure high survival rates of the specimens. Conclusions. In the course of the study, techniques for A. majus plants in vitro cultivation were developed, ranging from introduction to aseptic conditions to adaptation to the external environment. The conditions for the development and maintenance of a viable callus have been optimized. The techniques presented in the study ensure a stable supply of biological material for molecular genetic research.