Biotechnological features of reproduction of somaclonal variants of <i>Echinacea × hybrida</i> hort
The present investigation revealed the features of in vitro propagation of the Echinacea × hybrida ‘Mama Mia’ cultivar and its somaclonal variants with different leaf colors. The optimal conditions of plant organogenesis at the main micropropagation stages were determined. It was shown that the size of the initial explant had a significant impact on the growth and development of echinacea microrosettes. ‘Mama Mia’ cultivar was characterized by the highest morphogenetic potential than other studied genotypes. Murashige and Skoog (MS) culture medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L 6-BAP was found optimal for ‘Mama Mia’ and ‘Pestrushka’ micropropagation, while medium with 0.1 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) showed efficiency for other somaclones. Half strength MS medium with 0.3 mg/L β-indole acetic acid (IAA) was effective for root system formation at the rooting stage of echinacea. The adaptation of ‘Mama Mia’ and ‘Pestrushka’ regenerants was carried out on the optimal substrate consisting of peat and vermiculite wherein the survival rate of regenerants reached 100% and 83%.