Propagation of Erodium somanum endangered via plant tissue culture method

SUMMARYIn this study, in vitro propagation of an endemic and endangered plant species, Erodium somanum was investigated. The population of E. somanum have been in decrease in the recent years due to the construction of base stations, wind roses and fire towers. These species are included in Turkey?s Red Data Book. In vitro multiplication is accepted as a powerful alternative conservation technique for the endangered plant species making their reintroduction into the natural environment possible and thus reducing the risk of extinction.In vitro explants were obtained from sterilely sowed seeds. Explants (leaf, petiole and shoot tip) were cultured on MS medium with various hormone combinations and culture conditions. The best shoot forming in shoot tip explant was observed in the MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L BAP- 1mg/L IBA, 2 mg/L BAP- 1mg/L IAA. The Best shoot forming in leaf explants was achieved in the MS medium containing 1mg/L BAP- 0,1mg/L IBA, 1mg/L BAP- 0,2mg/L IBA and 1mg/L BAP- 0,2mg/L NAA. Root development was observed in shoots which were cultured on the MS medium suplemented with 0,5mg/L IBA and 1mg/L IBA for the purpose of achieving a complete plant.Keywords: Culture, Erodium Somanum, Micropropagation, İn Vitro, Endemic, Endangered Plant Species.