Optimizing Regeneration Protocols for Valeriana officinalis: The Role of Plant Growth Regulators and
Board Location: #66
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: plant science
Session: 2
Latavia Powell - Fort Valley State University
Co-Author(s): Co-Authors; Dr. Terri Brearly, Fort Valley State University; Fort Valley, GA, Dr. Sarwan Dhir, Fort Valley State University; Fort Valley, GA
Valeriana officinalis (Valerian Root) is a medicinal plant with significant therapeutic applications for anxiety, headaches, hot flashes, insomnia, and general pain. Due to this being an endangered plant species our research requires efficient regeneration protocols to support its conservation and commercial propagation. This research hypothesizes that specific plant growth regulators (PGRs) concentrations and optimized carbon sources can enhance somatic embryo production and shoot regeneration. Our goal is to successfully produce plantlets identical to the parent plant.
The study is designed to follow a structured three-step protocol for somatic embryo induction. In Step #1, we begin with Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with 2 mL/L BAP (Benzyl aminopurine) and 100 µL/L NAA (Naphthaleneacetic Acid), incubating these samples in darkness for 3 weeks. Moving on to Step #2 after 3 weeks, we modify the medium to include 1 mL/L Kinetin (Kn) alongside the same concentration of NAA as Step #1, we will then incubate our somatic embryos under light for an additional 3 weeks. For Step #3, we will transition to a hormone-free MS medium to encourage robust shoot development, with results expected in the near future. Upon achieving promising outcomes from Step #3, we plan to initiate a carbon source experiment aimed at optimizing culture conditions. V. Officinalis somatic embryos will be cultured on MS medium supplemented with six distinct carbon sources—Sucrose, Maltose, Glucose, Fructose, Lactose, and Galactose—at varying concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. This phase of the study is crucial as it seeks to identify the most effective carbon source and concentration for maximizing regeneration yield, contributing valuable insights to our research efforts. The carbon source experiment is ongoing, these findings will inform future refinement of the regeneration protocol.
Our study highlights the critical roles of precise PGR concentrations and carbon source selection in the regeneration of V. officinalis. Future research will further refine carbon source optimization and explore long-term effects on plant stability. These advancements can significantly enhance conservation efforts and commercial propagation of medicinal plants.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This study was supported, in part, by a grant from NSF REU-Site at University of Georgia, NSF HBCU-UP (HRD-2011903), S-STEM (DUE-1834046), The Department of Education MSEIP (P120A2000016) at Fort Valley State University
Faculty Advisor: Sarwan Dhir, dhirs0@fvsu.edu
Role: Carry out the experiments procedures, collect the data, prepare the samples for pictures and prepare the poster.