In Vitro Propagation of Clausena lenis Drake

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Conservation Biology
• Medicinal Botany

Background:

• Clausena lenis, a Rutaceae family medicinal plant, is endangered by wildlife, overharvesting, and climate change.
• Natural seed propagation of C. lenis is hindered by rapid viability loss, complicating germplasm conservation.
• Plant tissue culture presents a viable strategy for C. lenis conservation and mass propagation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish efficient protocols for Clausena lenis propagation using plant tissue culture.
• To optimize seed sterilization, callus induction, shoot multiplication, and root induction for C. lenis.
• To provide a foundation for the sustainable conservation and large-scale production of C. lenis.

Main Methods:

• Seeds were sterilized using 0.2% mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for 20 minutes.
• Callus was induced on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2,4-Dichlorodophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using various explants.
• Shoot multiplication was achieved using benzylaminopurine (BA), and rooting was optimized with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).

Main Results:

• 100% seed sterilization and germination were achieved without compromising viability.
• Stem-node explants showed the highest shoot proliferation (3.90 shoots/explant) with 2.0 mg/L BA.
• Rooting was most effective on half-strength MS medium with 20.0 mg/L IBA, yielding 4.30 roots/shoot.
• Acclimatized plantlets demonstrated a 100% survival rate.

Conclusions:

• Optimized tissue culture techniques provide a robust method for Clausena lenis propagation.
• These protocols support the conservation of C. lenis germplasm and its sustainable utilization.
• The study offers a practical solution to the challenges of C. lenis conservation and production.