In-vitro Mass Propagation of Limonium sinuatum L. Mill. (Statice)

Limonium sinuatum L. Mill. (Statice), a rosulate plant with showy inflorescences is characterized by its high ornamental value as a cut flower for both fresh and dry-flower arrangements with its increasing demand in the international markets. Nepalese farmers are dependent on Indian market for ornamental plants with a huge investment but are not able to get quality plants. This research work is focused to develop the protocol for in vitro mass propagation of Statice so as to provide the farmers with quality plants. Shoot tips were excised from the mother plant and were surface sterilized with freshly prepared 0.1% w/v aqueous solution of HgCl2 for 5 minutes. The explants were cultured in Murashige & Shook (1962) medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of BAP, KIN, NAA and IBA. During in vitro establishment of explants, concentration of BAP at 1.0 mg/L and NAA at 0.1 mg/L gave the best results of shoot induction and proliferation. About 94% of explants were established on MS medium enriched with BAP and NAA. Rooting was best induced on MS medium containing NAA 1mg/L. Thick and fibrous roots were developed within 30-35 days. Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized for 10 to 15 days in greenhouse at 20±5oC. Plantlets were successfully established in sterile sand and were transferred into poly bag containing a mixture of garden soil, organic matter and sand in 1:1:1 ratio. Plantlets survival percentage was 100% in open field condition.