Standardization of in vitro multiplication technique for Areca concinna, an endangered palm species for its conservation and utilization

Areca concinna (Arecaceae) is an endangered plant species endemic to south western Sri Lanka. It is an important palm distributed primarily in Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia and was listed under endangered plants species by IUCN due to habitat loss. Here a protocol was developed for clonal multiplication of A. concinna. Clonal propogation is essential for conservation and maintenance of endangered species. Immature inflorescence, immature embryos and mature embryos were tested for callogenesis and subsequent somatic embryogenesis in M72 basal media supplemented with the auxins 2, 4-D and Picloram. Of the three explants, somatic embryos were obtained only from mature embryos. Callus multiplication and somatic embryo formation in M72 basal media supplemented with 2, 4-D were found to be better over Picloram media. Serial transfer of explants from higher to lower concentrations was essential for sustaining the multiplication of callus as well as for induction of somatic embryos. Somatic embryos grown inY3 or 1/2 Y3 basal medium supplemented with BAP (1 mg/L), NAA (0.5 mg/L), and IBA (0.25 mg/L) exhibited shoot initiation and plantlet development. This protocol has its application in rapid multiplication of A. concinna palms thereby enhancing the possibility of conservation of the endangered palm.