Micropropagation systems for the mexican redbud (Cercis canadensis var. Mexicana L.) and other woody plants of the chihuahuan desert |
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Authors: | Wayne A Mackay |
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Institution: | (1) Texas A&M University, 17360 Coit Road, 75252-6599 Dallas, Texas |
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Abstract: | Summary There are many Chihuahuan desert species that have potential as landscape plants for the arid communities of the southwestern
United States agarita, Berberis trifoliata Moric.; Mexican buckeye, Ungnadia speciosa Endl.; Texas madrone, Arbutus xalapensis var. texana (Buckl.). A. Gray]. Within these plant populations, there are superior genotypes that offer even greater interest for the
landscape. However, it is difficult to clonally propagate many of these species with conventional techniques, and the seed-derived
populations often do not breed true. Therefore, selection of superior genotypes in wild populations coupled with clonal propagation
through tissue culture may offer an attractive option. It is relatively easy to achieve disinfestation of explants from desert
plants due to a general lack of natural surface contamination by fungi and bacteria, even though interference from numerous
trichomes can impede good contact with disinfesting agents. However, there is only a narrow window of time that is ideal for
explant collection, because of the brief, periodic flushes of growth that characterize this unusual plant group. There may
be years when, due to the harsh environment, the amount of suitable explant material is severely limited. Phenolics and exudates
are also problematic in this group of plants, and acclimatization of ex vitro plantlets to the harsh desert environment is
a particular challenge. For these reasons, specific adaptations and modifications were necessary to achieve success with micropropagation
of desert plant species such as Mexican redbud (Cercis canadensis var. mexicana L.). |
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Keywords: | micropropagation woody plants tissue culture propagation desert plants Berberis |
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