In vitro bulbing for the propagation of Traubia modesta (Amaryllidaceae), a threatened plant endemic to Chile

Abstract

Critically endangered, Traubia modesta is endemic to Chile and belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. In this research, a propagation protocol was developed for the in vitro cultivation of vegetative organs for this species. The twin scale explants were cultured in a Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with the growth regulators naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in different concentrations. Plant preservative mixture (PPM) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were used as a biocide and an antioxidant, respectively. The results showed high contamination of the bulbs. There were no significant differences between the treatments with plant growth regulators. A multiplication rate of 1.3 - 2.2 for bulbils was achieved, with an average of 28 bulbils per mother bulb. The natural regeneration rate is approximately 1 - 4 bulbils per mother bulb once a year.