Optimizing proliferation and assessment of valak morpho-phenological traits; an endangered nutritious Allium endemic to Iran

Abstract

Allium elburzense W. (subg. Melanocrommyum ) is an endangered and endemic species to Iran, which is called “valak” and known as a valuable and pricy vegetable with high nutritional and medicinal properties. This study was carried out in order to domestication, removing barriers of sexual reproduction, micropropagation and investigation of phenological stages and growth cycle of the species. The results indicated that fresh seeds had better germination than one year old seeds and appropriate germination temperature in A. elburzense W. seed was 12 °C. According to ANOVA results, the triple interaction of scarification (Sc), stratification period (StP) and GA 3 had a significant effect on seedling length, seedling fresh and dry weight, bulb height and diameter (p<0.01). Comparison of means showed that the treatments in which the StP (45 days) and scarification was applied had better effects on seed germination (66.5% germination) than other treatments. Murashige and Skoog with 300 mg L -1 KH2PO4 (MSP) medium caused a significant increase in the diameter of the basal plate compared to MS medium. Efficient system for in vitro propagation and conservation of valak genetic resources were the use of MSP culture medium supplemented with 0.6 mg l -1 NAA, 4 mg l -1 BA and 120 g l -1 of sucrose, which resulted in a direct propagation coefficient of 26.83 seedlings and bulblets at 18 weeks. As regards its life cycle, the juvenile phase in a low proportion of individuals (13.33%) lasted 2 years from seeding, while 87.66% of individuals were capable of producing inflorescence in the third year. Results showed that this plant is a metamorphosis and cross pollinator species. Results of present study can be used in domestication, conservation of genetic resources and proper exploitation of valak species.