Clonal micropropagation of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. carpathica

Sea buckthorn is an unique and valuable plant species by its content regarding the bio-active substances(1, 2). The technologies of vegetative multiplication offer opportunities to conserve and propagate superior genotypes. This study was designed to develop a micropropagation system for cloning elite sea buckthorn. This includes procedures and media for initiation, multiplication and rooting of sea buckthorn cuttings in vitro (3). Two varieties of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. carpathica have been introduced to tissue culture and successfully propagated. A protocol for the micropropagation was developed starting with shoot tip (4, 5). Shoot apices with 1 or 2 leaf primordia were cultured on MS medium, supplemented with BAP and IAA. BAP was the most suitable growth regulator with the optimal concentration of 0,10–0,25mg/l for initiation and 0,4–1mg/l for multiplication. The average rate of multiplication was 3–4 shoots/explant per month. The capacity for shoot differentiation depended on concentration of cytokinin in the shoot-induction medium. Rooting of these shoots was achieved on MS medium without growth regulators. After 45 days, the regenerated plants were transplanted into pots in a greenhouse and these were subsequently planted in the experimental field. The two varieties of Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. carpathica regenerated „in vitro“ displayed an vigorous growth capacity to the natural environment.

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