Abstract:
Palestine is a region rich in plant biodiversity. Despite that, several
species are threatened due to various factors including overgrazing,
human activities and intensive agriculture. As a part of the species,
Iris species from section Oncocyclus are considered threatened
species according to the IUCN red list. As a tool to protect and
conserve these species, a protocol of in vitro propagation of
Palestinian Royal Irises is developed. This study contains four phases:
first, selection of suitable explants and establishment of irises from
the embryos on an aseptic culture. Second, in vitro shoot proliferation
and regeneration, followed by in vitro shoot multiplication. Third, in
vitro rooting. Finally, hardening of plantlets in the greenhouse
gradually. The highest embryo germination percentage was 100% on
a half-strength MS medium without PGRs. The best shoot
regeneration was obtained on half-strength MS medium supplemented
with 0.5 mg/L or 1.0 mg/L of BA while the best rooting results were
on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L IBA.
Plantlets were acclimatized in peatmoss:sand (2:1) substrate with a
survival rate of 75% - 100% after 4 weeks from transfer to pots. This
method was efficient in overcoming seed dormancy in irises.
