Biotech Studies 2010, Vol 19, Num, 1-2     (Pages: 024-029)

Bulbous Plants and In vitro Micropropagation

Cuma KARAOĞLU 1

1 Tarla Bitkileri Merkez Araştırma Enstitüsü, Yenimahalle-Ankara - Bulbous plants (geophytes) have an important place for genetic biodiversity of Turkey and have a great potential in perfume, pharmaceuticals with alkaloids and ornamental with beautiful flowers. The annual income derived from exported bulbous plants has been reached approximately 5 million TL in Turkey. A significant amount of geophytes collected from natural habitat are exported and the risk of disappearance of the some geophytes has been increased. These geophytes are classified in different stages of endangered plant species. Because of duration from the sowing to the flowering for 4-5 years or formation of the sterile seeds, in vitro tissue culture methods offer some advantages for propagation of geophytes. The last researches on in vitro micropropagation of geophytes showed that about a hundred bulblets can be produced from just a bulb depending on species. The techniques will not only meet demands of these plants but will also reduce risks of their disappearance due to their unauthorized collection from wild flora. Keywords : Geofithes, in vitro, micropropagation, biodiversity