Micro-propagation of Alchemilla mollis

Abstract

Alchemilla mollis (common name Lady's Mantle, family Rosaceae) is widespread throughout temperate Europe and Asia and in parts of North America. Due to the plants inability to withstand the Israeli hot summer, propagation through chilled corms or cutting is impossible. A method for large-scale propagation of Alchemilla mollis through meristem culture is described in this manuscript. Best conditions for propagation were using MS salt medium supplemented with 3% (w/v) sucrose 1 mg l⁻¹ NAA, 3 mg l⁻¹ BA and 0.1 mM FeNaEDTA under 16 h of cool fluorescent light. Hundreds of rooted plants were successfully acclimatized after propagating on this medium within a short time. The propagation via tissue culture did not affect plant's presentation but did not contribute to selecting heat tolerant plants.