Micropropagation of Pelargonium sidoides

Abstract

Pelargonium sidoides is a medicinal plant harvested for local and export trades in South Africa. In order to contribute to the conservation and propagation initiatives of the herb, a study on the micropropagation of the plant was conducted. Our findings revealed that callus induction was achieved by using different concentrations of IBA and 2,4-D. Optimal response was obtained at 3 mg l-1 IBA under continuous dark condition. The study also showed that shoot differentiation is achievable from stem derived callus after one week in hormone free media under continuous light. The percentage of callus formation ranged from 0 to 88.9% depending on the type of auxin used, the concentration and photogenic conditions. Transferred plantlets by simple acclimatization procedure survived and produced healthy plants. The significance of these on the propagation and conservation of P. sidoides is highlighted in the discussion.