Optimization of Propagation of the Polish Strain of Aldrovanda vesiculosa in Tissue Culture

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Aldrovanda vesiculosa is a carnivorous aquatic plant. It floats in shallow water, where it preys on small organisms. Due to human activity and climate change, it is endangered all over the world, and without human intervention it may soon disappear. The article describes a method of in vitro propagation of A. vesiculosa making it possible to produce many plants, which can then be used to establish new populations of this rare and unique species or to strengthen existing ones. ABSTRACT: Aldrovanda vesiculosa is a rare and critically endangered carnivorous plant species. Its populations have declined worldwide, so there is a need to protect the species from extinction. The research was conducted to establish an effective method of in vitro propagation of the species in order to obtain plants for reintroduction in the wild. The procedures included disinfection, multiplication, and acclimatization of plants. Contamination-free in vitro cultures were established using shoots and turions, which were disinfected with 0.25% sodium hypochlorite. The shoots were first defoliated. The explants regenerated better in liquid 1/5 MS medium than in solidified one. The optimum medium for the multiplication phase contained MS macro- and microelements diluted to 1/10. Plants cultivated in that medium were of good quality, long, and branched. The advantageous effect of medium was also confirmed by the content of photosynthetic pigments in the plant material. The content of chlorophyll a was highest in plants cultivated in 1/5 or 1/10 MS medium. The plants obtained were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions and reintroduced in the wild.