Impact of culture systems on growth and plumbagin yield of in vitro Drosera binata Labill.

Abstract

Importance of the work: Guidelines are required for the conservation of the carnivorous
plant Drosera binata Labill. in the wild, to ensure sufficient supply for pharmaceutical
use.
Objectives: To compare the effects of different cultivation systems on the in vitro growth,
development and plumbagin production of D. binata.
Materials and Methods: Young shoots of D. binata were cultured using three different
cultivation systems: semi-solid (SSS), continuous immersion (CIS) and temporary
immersion (TIS). Half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium was utilized in all three
culture systems. The growth and plumbagin production were examined at the 8th week of
culture.
Results: CIS promoted superior growth and development compared to SSS and TIS,
as evidenced by higher fresh and dry weights per clump and an increased shoot number.
However, the leaf length was greatest using TIS. Considering growth performance per
replication at the 8th week of culture, explants cultured in CIS had significantly higher
numbers of shoots, as well as greater fresh and dry weights, than those cultured in SSS
or TIS. In addition, the maximal biomass using CIS was more than twice that from
TIS or SSS. The highest plumbagin production was obtained from TIS, followed by
CIS and SSS.
Main finding: The findings should serve as a useful foundation for the tissue culture
of Drosera species, ensuring sufficient supply for future conservation in nature and
the production of pharmaceutical compounds.