Description:
<jats:p>During past decades, great attention has been paid to propagation of endangered plant taxa in order to preserve biodiversity. The aim of this study was to optimize a protocol for in vitro propagation of the critically endangered and decorative species Dianthus serotinus Waldst. et Kit. The effects of different concentration of MS salt (Murashige and Skoog) of the culture, medium pH and different carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) on shoot multiplication were examined. The best results were obtained on half-strength MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium, whose pH was 5.8, with sucrose supplied at a concentration of 3%, when shoots with 1-2 nodes or shoot tips (with terminal buds only) were used as explants. The shoots were rooted (76.7%) on half-strength MS medium containing 0.5 mg∙L-1 NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid). The obtained plantlets were successfully acclimatized (89%) in a 4:1 mixture of peat and sand and they flowered the following year. Presented protocol enables successful in vitro propagation of D. serotinus.</jats:p>