Acclimatization of tissue cultured plantlets Ribes khorasanicum as an endemic endanger species in different substrates

Khorasanicum currant (Ribes khorasanicum) is one of the endemic species of monogenus Grossulariaceae family which its natural regeneration has been encountered with severe reduction due to livestock grazing, low seeds regeneration potential. It is mainly regenerated by vegetative method via rhizome. Since, the successfulness of regeneration using seed culture and cutting method was not acceptable. So, one of the recommended possible method for conservation of endangered species is multiplying and preservation them using in vitro tissue cultures techniques. But, one of the most probable problems of micropropagated plantlets is the acclimatization to in vivo conditions and high mortality of tissue cultured plantlet during this process. Thus, this research was conducted to find out the most suitable acclimatization medium for this valuable medicinal endemic species. For this purpose the effect of different substrate compounds including peat moss, cocopeat, perlit and soil was evaluated on survival, height and root characteristics during acclimatization process. Results showed that, significant differences were observed in plantlets height, survival percentage, vigourity and leaf numbers between different substrates. But different substrates, has no significant effects on plantlets crown area. Results of analysis of variance on rooting characteristics showed that, significant differences were observed in root numbers, root length and plantlet root length. Totally, according to plantlets characteristics such as: survival percentage, vigourity, plantlet height, leaf numbers and plantlets root length, can be concluded that the best substrate for acclimatization of this species was peat moss substrates.