Micropropagation of rare bryo-halophyte Hennediella heimii

Abstract

The rare moss species Hennediella heimii (Pottiaceae) was established in in vitro culture. Various treatments were tested to achieve axenical cultures. The most effective sterilising procedure was NaDCC treatment of sporophytes, keeping the spore viability and giving high disposal of xenic cohabiting organisms. The effects of plant growth regulators were studied regarding new shoot formation, i.e. bud formation on the protonemal filaments and protonemal patch size. Low concentrations of cytokinin and medium concentrations of auxin are shown to increase protonemal patch size and shoot production. Multiplication of H. heimii was observed to occur spontaneously on BCD medium type, but to achieve better and rapid biomass production and development it is suggested to grow it on a BCD medium enriched with auxin and cytokinin combined.