Micro-propagation of White-top Aster, Sericocarpus rigidus, a threatened species from the Garry Oak Ecosystem in British Columbia

Abstract

A study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of using micro-propagation techniques to regenerate White-top Aster (Sericocarpus rigidus), a threatened species native to the Garry Oak ecosystem in coastal British Columbia. Shoot multiplication from explants was compared in three different basal media formulations. The effects of varying IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) and kinetin on shoot production were also investigated using one of the three basal media. Shoot production was most successful on modified MS (Murashige and Skoog) media containing various concentrations of BAP (benzylaminopurine) and GA3 (gibberellic acid), followed by media containing IAA and kinetin at concentrations of 2 mg 1-1. Root formation occurred readily on modified MS media with IAA and reduced macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations. The study showed that S. rigidus can be successfully propagated using in vitro shoot multiplication.