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Micropropagation
Conservation programmes
Bryophytes
Also known as mosses and liverworts, these are plant pioneers and fill
a vital niche in the ecology of many habitats.
The UK has an exceptional diversity of bryophytes with approximately 600
moss and 300 liverwort species. Of these, 50 are listed for attention
under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP). In collaboration with the
UK statutory conservation agencies, Kew is developing ways of propagating
and storing these species using in vitro and cryogenic techniques.
In this unique project, novel methods of culture have been developed using
the endangered endemic UK moss, Ditrichum cornubicum.
Several priority species are now in culture and cryo-storage. Samples
of the critically endangered Orthodontium gracile have been collected
from 16 sites and are being material multiplied in tissue culture. This
will provide a source of uncontaminated DNA for genetic fingerprinting
as well as material for possible re-establishment trials.
Ferns
Fern species that are rare or difficult to propagate from spores may be propagated in vitro. The techniques used reduce the risk of spores of different species becoming mixed. Successes with plants of conservation concern include the Tunbridge filmy fern, Hymenophyllum tunbrigense. This species produces green spores that can only be stored for a few days; micropropagation allows rapid germination and growth. These techniques are assisting the regional recovery programme for this species in the Sussex Weald.
Orchids
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| Laboratory grown seedlings of Anacamptis laxiflora planted at Wakehurst Place | |
In nature most orchids form a symbiotic (mutually beneficial)
association with fungi in order to help the plant obtain nutrients. This
association is essential for the germination of orchid seeds that lack
their own internal food supplies (endosperm).
The Sainsbury Orchid Conservation
Project was established to investigate techniques for germination
of temperate terrestrial orchids in the laboratory using fungi.
Many tropical epiphytic and terrestrial orchids are grown from seed in
vitro at Kew. The media on which the seeds grow contains nutrients
to sustain the seedling and so a mycorrhizal fungus is not needed, it
is therefore called asymbiotic. With good quality fresh seed, very
high levels of germination can be achieved in vitro, this allows
thousands of seedlings to be produced from a single capsule.
Working in collaboration with the Tsimbazaz Botanical and Zoological Park,
seed was collected from endangered species such as Bulbophyllum elliotii
and plants returned to Madagascar to help support dwindling populations.
The laboratory continues this support through the Threatened
Plants of Madagascar Appeal.
Kew is a lead partner in several of the UK Species Action Plans for endangered
orchids such as that for the Fen orchid (Liparis loeselii) and
the Lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) which is
one of the UK’s rarest orchids. In collaboration with English Nature,
seedlings of the Lady’s slipper orchid have now been reintroduced
and the first flowering was reported in 2000.
Occasionally surplus in vitro orchid protocorms are available
to other Botanic Gardens and research organisations if they have laboratory
facilities available to grow them on, and provided they agree to abide
by, and sign, RBG Kew's material transfer agreement, which prohibits commercial
use or passing of the material to third parties without gaining prior
permission from RBG Kew.
For countries outside the EU, RBG Kew can provide phytosanitary certificates.
It is the recipients' responsibility to provide any necessary plant import
permits with their request. In vitro protocorms are exempt from
the current CITES regulations.
For enquiries as to available stock and requests please contact: microprop@kew.org
Micropropagation
Micropropagation: Support for living collection