In vitro Propagation and Acclimatization of Achillea fragrantissima Frossk Sch. Bip

A. fragrantissima is one of the most Achillia species found in Jordan, it is known by local communities as Qaisoum or Qisum. Most effective method found to increase and conserve herbal plant is in vitro propagation. It is considered to be easier and more rapid for herbaceous plants than woody species. In the current study, in vitro propagation of A. fragrantissima rooting and acclimatization was studied. Complete germination of seeds (100%) was obtained in vitro on water-agar medium and developed into plantlets with greater hypocotyl and root length, and full cotyledonary leaves. Multiplication of mother stock was established on MS (Murashige and Skoog) media supplemented with 1mg/L GA3 after 4 weeks of culture. Proliferation was experimented with different levels of cytokinin (0.0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.2 or 1.6 mg/L) of BA, kinetin or 2ip. Maximum proliferation of Achillea fragrantissima (8 shoot/explant) was obtained when MS medium supplemented with 1.2 mg/L kinetin. Rooting was experimented at different levels of auxins (0.0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.2, or 1.6 mg/L) of NAA, IAA or IBA. Highest root number (9.80) and length (1.80 cm) was obtained at 0.4 mg/L NAA, while IAA failed to promote root induction. Rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized with 100% survival.