Micropropagation as a key tool to preserve native species: disinfection and propagation protocol for Minthostachys verticillata

RIVAROLA BIANCONI, SANTIAGO; IBAÑEZ, S.G.; VEZZA, M.E.; BARBERÓN, I.F.; AGOSTINI, E.; WEVAR OLLER, A.L.

Congreso; III Congresso Brasileiro Interdisciplinar em Ciência e Tecnologia; 2022

Actually, there is a great demand for specific vegetable products, which is explained in part by changes in consumption habits, with a trend towards healthier foods of natural origin, and the rise of ethnic foods that has generated great interest in aromatic and native plants. However, excessive harvesting of some species could lead to their subsequent extinction, so micropropagation has emerged as an important tool to propagate and preserve the germplasm of different plant species.Minthostachys verticillata, commonly known as ?peperina?, grows in the northwestern and central regions of Argentina. It is considered the most economically important species of its genus and it is extensively collected to obtain essential oils, which are studied for their potential medicinal effects. Thus, this study aimed at developing a disinfection and micropropagation protocol for M. verticillata. In this context, the first step, which consisted in selection of mother plants, disinfection, selection of explants and in vitro establishment in culture medium under aseptic conditions was carried out. For that, seeds, stems or leaves were introduced into the laminar flow cabinet and different disinfectant agents, surfactants and treatment times were assayed. All surfaced disinfected stems and leaves, presented bacterial or fungal contamination. On the other hand, seeds disinfection with 70% (v/v) ethanol, 25% (w/v) sodium hypochlorite and five whashes with sterile distilled water, yielded the lowest contamination (29%) and best germination index (16%) on agar-water plates. The shortest time of germination was 16 days, while the longest time was 30 days. Germinated seeds were transfered to culture vessel containing a multiplication and rooting medium which are the second and third steps of micropropagation methods. The medium was Murashige-Skoog (MS) with 1,5 mg/L of indol-acetic acid (AIA). The cultures were incubated in a growing chamber at 25 + 2°C with a 12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod. Finally, acclimatation stage will be carried out, that is the final step that would allow the quick production of peperina using in vitro culture techniques while helping with the conservation of this native species.