In vitro propagation of Western Australian Rushes (Restionaceae and related families) by embryo culture. Part 2. Micropropagation

Abstract

Micropropagation of 21 species of Restionaceae and the closely related

monotypic families Anarthriaceae and Ecdeiocoleaceae is discussed. Multiplication rates ranged from 2-fold to 14-fold each 4–6 week subculture passage, with most species averaging 3–5-fold. The majority of taxa preferred half-strength Murashige and Skoog basal media with 1 μM benzyladenine, with certain species requiring other specific treatments (e.g. Woody Plant medium). Approximately half of the species produced roots successfully (i.e. >50%) in vitro on half-strength MS with no growth regulators (or no auxins), or initiated roots after transfer to soil; other species required a longer (6–7 week) incubation on quarter-strength MS medium for initiation to occur. This paper describes the first successful micropropagation of these taxa with application for horticultural development of this important southern-hemisphere family.