In vitro propagation of Verbascum biledschikianum Bornm, an endemic species of Türkiye

Verbascum biledschikianum is the local endemic plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family and classified in the vulnerable category. This study aims to establish and optimize a rapid and reliable protocol for the propagation V. biledschikianum. Leaf explants from in vitro grown seedlings were embedded in solid MS medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of cytokinins and auxins at a density of ten explants per plate. All cultures were maintained in the growth chambers at 25 ±2°C under 16/8 h photoperiod with 72 μmol m-2 s-1. The mean number of shoots per explants and percentage of explants forming shoots were recorded after 4 weeks in culture. MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L benzylaminopurine and with 3 mg/L benzylaminopurine + 1 mg/L naphthalene acetic acid gave the highest number of explants per explants. Root induction was achieved on an MS medium containing 1 g/L of activated charcoal.