Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Larson, Joseph [1], DeNittis, Alyson [2], Perez, June [2], Kopp, Olga [3].

Ex Vitro Rooting and Acclimatization for the Micropropagation of Lepidium ostleri, an Edaphic Endemic Plant Species.

Lepidium ostleri (Ostler’s pepperweed) is an edaphic endemic plant species only known to occur in the San Francisco Mountain Range of western Utah. It is restricted to soils derived from hydrothermally altered Ordovician limestone, which also host other rare plant species such as Frisco buckwheat (Eriogonum soredium) and Frisco clover (Trifolium friscanum). Over ninety percent of the habitat that supports L. ostleri occur on private mining claims. Due to its rarity and habitat restrictions, L. ostleri is a species of conservation concern. Discovering propagation methods are critical for conservation and management efforts, and in vitro micropropagation techniques offer a powerful set of tools for propagating rare species. De novo shoot organogenesis from L. ostleri explants using in vitro techniques was previously reported using Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with various concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and 6-benzylaminopyrine (BAP). The focus of this study was to induce rooting in plantlets grown in vitro and subsequently acclimate rooted plantlets to external environments. Plantlets supporting shoots grown in vitro were pulse-treated with differing strengths of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and transferred to sterile soil. Following root induction, plantlets were successfully acclimated to ambient conditions. Successful development of a micropropagation protocol supports management activities for L. ostleri, and also contributes to in vitro propagation knowledge at the species, genus, and family level.

1 - Utah Valley University, MS 299, Orem, UT, 84058, USA
2 - Utah Valley University, MS 299, Orem, UT, 84058, United States
3 - Utah Valley University, Biology, 800 West University Parkway MS 179, Orem, UT, 84058, United States

Keywords:
Lepidium ostleri
conservation
Micropropagation
rare species.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: CB3, Conservation Biology 3
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Friday, July 31st, 2020
Time: 1:00 PM
Number: CB3003
Abstract ID:394
Candidate for Awards:None