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In vitro seed germination and cultivation of the aromatic medicinal Salvia stenophylla (Burch. ex Benth.) provides an alternative source of α-bisabolol

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Abstract

The aromatic medicinal plant Salvia stenophylla contains α-bisabolol, making this plant an important contributor to the aromatherapy and cosmetic industries in South Africa. Due to its commercial importance, the cultivation of this plant using an in vitro system was considered. Firstly, seedlings were raised in vitro after breaking dormancy with light, smoke-water or chemical scarification treatments. Germination improved when seeds were smoke-treated or soaked in 70% (v/v) H2SO4. Vigorous plantlet regeneration was achieved when seedling explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium with 5.7 μM IAA and 8.9 μM BA. The potential regeneration capacity for this protocol was estimated and over 1,000 plantlets can be produced from a single shoot (6.67 cm with 4–6 nodes) over a period of 3 months. Plants rooted easily regardless of their growth medium. This was followed by their successful rapid establishment and normal growth out of culture (75%). Finally, the volatile compounds in in vitro plants were compared to ex vitro plants via headspace solid phase microextraction linked to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The chemical complexity of microplants was similar to wild plants with in vitro plants continuing to produce α-bisabolol (21%) at high levels.

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Abbreviations

2,4-D:

2,4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

BA:

N6-benzylaminopurine

HS–SPME–GC–MS:

Headspace solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

IAA:

Indole-3-acetic acid

LSD:

Least significant difference

MS:

Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium

NAA:

α-Naphthaleneacetic acid

PAR:

Photosynthetically active radiation

PGR:

Plant growth regulator

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Acknowledgments

Funding was provided by the National Research Foundation (Pretoria), the Stellenbosch University (SU) Research Development Office. Mr H. T. Musarurwa was a recipient of a Department of Botany and Zoology (SU) postgraduate bursary (2009). Thanks to: Prof. M. Kidd (Centre for Biostatistical Consultation, SU); Mr F. Hiten (Central Analytical Facility, SU) and Ms L. Koegelenberg for technical assistance (HS–SPME–GC–MS).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7600, South Africa

    Hannibal T. Musarurwa & Nokwanda P. Makunga

  2. Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa

    Johannes van Staden

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  1. Hannibal T. Musarurwa
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  2. Johannes van Staden
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  3. Nokwanda P. Makunga
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Correspondence to Nokwanda P. Makunga.

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Musarurwa, H.T., van Staden, J. & Makunga, N.P. In vitro seed germination and cultivation of the aromatic medicinal Salvia stenophylla (Burch. ex Benth.) provides an alternative source of α-bisabolol. Plant Growth Regul 61, 287–295 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-010-9476-7

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