In vitro micropropagation of the endemic plant Nepeta baytopii Hedge & Lamond

In this study, we sought to develop a working micropropagation protocol for the endemic plant Nepeta baytopii Hedge & Lamond using biotechnological methods. After seed sterilization and germination, shoot proliferations were performed. These explants were cultured on MS medium (Murashige & Skoog, 1962) supplemented with nine different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (KIN) applied separately (0.00, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mg/L). The highest number of shoots was obtained on medium supplemented with 0.125 mg/L BAP. In addition, the media containing 0.125 mg/L BAP and different concentrations of α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indole acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 D) (0.00, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.0625 mg/L) were prepared separately, and the combined effects of auxin and cytokinin on shoot proliferation were investigated. The highest root formation percentage was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 0.125 mg/L BAP and 0.25 mg/L IBA. Acclimation studies have been conducted for the adaptation of rooted shoots to soil. This is the first report on the study of Nepeta baytopii Hedge & Lamond’s for direct plant regeneration under conditions in vitro. This study presents an effective alternative approach for the propagation and conservation of this important endemic plant.