Advances in conservation physiology and ex situ propagation strategies for the rare moss Podperaea krylovii (Amblystegiaceae, Bryophyta)

Abstract

This study investigates the growth and micropropagation of the rare moss Podperaea krylovii, under in vitro conditions. The effects of different growth media, plant growth regulators, and sugars were tested to optimize conditions for efficient propagation and to gain a better understanding of the species’ biology and the cultivation requirements of this species. The results indicate that the KNOP medium is most effective for the propagation of P. krylovii, with prostrate-oriented explants having a higher index of multiplication compared to upright-oriented explants. The addition of auxin had no significant effect on species multiplication and development in comparison to auxin-free media. Conversely, cytokinin inhibited shoot formation as well as protonemal development, suggesting that its use individually was not suitable for the species’ development under axenic conditions. The sugars tested showed no positive effect on new shoot formation, suggesting that no exogenous carbon source is required and that this species keeps autotrophy in axenic cultures. These results provide a basis for future research on the propagation and cultivation of P. krylovii and emphasize the need for specific cultivation protocols. The in vitro multiplicated moss was successfully acclimatised and propagated ex vitro in a xenic environment. This enables further successful ex situ conservation of the species as well as commercial use as aquatic plants, for example in aquaria.