Vegetative propagation of Primulina tabucum Hance by petiole cuttings

Primulina tabucum Hance is a first grade rare and endangered monospecific genus endemic to China. Petioles derived from one-year old potted plants (originally derived from in vitro culture) were used to study the effect of substrate and plant growth regulators on the induction of adventitious shoots and roots. Sand and perlite (1:1) was the most suitable substrate. Petiole explants dipped in 4.9 μM indole-3-butyric acid for 30 min could induce the highest rooting percentage (90%) and an average of 8.8 adventitious shoots per petiole, establishing thus a simple, quick and efficient propagation pathway. This simple protocol would allow for mass production of ex vivo- or in vitro-derived germplasm conservation.

► Primulina tabucum Hance is a rare and endangered monospecific genus endemic to China.
► Petiole explants dipped in 1.0 mg l−1 IBA for 30 min formed most roots (90%).
► At most, 8.8 adventitious shoots per petiole formed.
► This is a simple and effective means of ex vitro conservation.