The First Protocol for In Vitro Propagation of Kalanchoe beharensis Through Adventitious Shoots, a Preliminary Study

Kalanchoe beharensis, a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is highly prized for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. Therefore, an efficient methodology to propagate this ecologically significant species would be of particular interest. The propagation of K. beharensis has traditionally been achieved by seed or cuttings, but these methods are limited in efficiency. Micropropagation provides a more efficient and controlled alternative by enabling the in vitro production of numerous plants in a small space and in a short period of time. Despite its advantages, no micropropagation protocol for K. beharensis has been reported in the literature. In this study, we report an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for K. beharensis. In order to implement this, we evaluated the morphogenetic response of leaf and root explants in media supplemented with auxins, cytokinins, or a combination of both growth regulators. Surprisingly, the best results were observed in indole-3-acetic acid-supplemented media. Adventitious shoots were rooted in either hormone-free or auxin-supplemented media, with indole-3-acetic acid yielding the best results. Rooted plants were acclimatized in the greenhouse, achieving over 80% survival during acclimatization. This protocol improves multiplication rate, space utilization, and uniformity, providing a viable alternative to conventional propagation methods.