Published: 2026-09-08

In Vitro Micropropagation of Galanthus plicatus M. Bieb.: An Efficient Ex Situ Conservation Strategy for a Critically Endangered Species from the Republic of Moldova

Tatiana Călugăru-Spătaru Profil ORCID autora Tatiana  Călugăru-Spătaru , Mariana Lozinschii Profil ORCID autora Mariana Lozinschii , Lilia Brînză Profil ORCID autora Lilia Brînză , Eduard Coropceanu Profil ORCID autora Eduard Coropceanu , Pavel Pînzaru Profil ORCID autora Pavel Pînzaru , Nina Muntean Profil ORCID autora Nina Muntean
Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.21697/seb.5903

Abstract

Galanthus plicatus M. Bieb. (Amaryllidaceae), a critically endangered geophytic species from the Republic of Moldova, has high ecological, ornamental, and pharmaceutical value as a source of biologically active alkaloids. However, excessive harvesting and habitat degradation have significantly reduced natural populations, creating an urgent need for effective ex situ conservation strategies. This study aimed to develop and optimize an in vitro micropropagation protocol for the rapid multiplication and conservation of the species’ genetic resources. Bulb-derived explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins (BAP and 2iP), auxin (IBA), and sucrose (45–60 g/L). The results showed that media supplemented with BAP (1.5–2.0 mg/L) and IBA (0.5 mg/L), combined with elevated sucrose concentrations, enhanced microbulb induction and proliferation, yielding up to 24 ± 0.43 microbulbs per explant. Increased sucrose levels also promoted reserve accumulation and microbulb maturation. An optimized sterilization protocol developed without mercuric chloride ensured a high percentage of viable and contamination-free explants. These findings confirm the effectiveness of in vitro micropropagation as a sustainable ex situ conservation strategy for G. plicatus and support the reduction of pressure on natural populations.

Keywords:

Galanthus plicatus, in vitro micropropagation, ex situ conservation, plant growth regulators, Amaryllidaceae, microbulb induction, plant genetic resources, critically endangered species, SDG 15 – Lif on Land

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Călugăru-Spătaru, T. ., Lozinschii, M., Brînză, L., Coropceanu, E., Pînzaru, P., & Muntean, N. (2026). In Vitro Micropropagation of Galanthus plicatus M. Bieb.: An Efficient Ex Situ Conservation Strategy for a Critically Endangered Species from the Republic of Moldova. Studia Ecologiae Et Bioethicae. https://doi.org/10.21697/seb.5903

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