Isoenzyme markers for assessment of in vitro plants from Ruscus Aculeatus L.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Ruscus aculeatus L. is an economically important ornamental and medicinal plant gathered mainly from the wild. Micropropagation protocols have been suggested for rapid production of clonal material and ex situ conservation of Ruscus species to avoid further over-exploitation of its natural resources. Variances in propagation rate and plant habitus were reported previously as important traits of the specific clones. Izoenzyme markers are proposed for assessment of the possible somaclonal variability induced during the in vitro propagation and the efficiency of the micropropagation procedure. METHODS: The isoenzyme profiles of three enzyme systems (peroxidases, esterases and acid phosphatase) of seven in vitro clones and native control were compared using discontinuous PAGE system. RESULTS: Induction of additional isoforms was frequent in the in vitro plants and clonespecific variations were detected. Acid phosphatase profiles were most polymorphic compared to less variable esterase and peroxidase ones. Isoenzyme profiles were not particularly correlated with the geographical origin of the accessions. CONCLUSIONS: The less polymorphic peroxidase and esterase systems could be used as markers for somaclonal changes by in vitro cultivation of R. aculeatus and selection of prospective clones.