In Vitro Propagation of Aconitum noveboracense and Aconitum napellus

Abstract Shoot proliferation in vitro of a threatened species, northern monkshood ( Aconitum noveboracense Gray), and of common European monkshood ( A. napellus L.) was achieved using growth chamber-grown stem nodes cultured on Gelrite-solidified MS medium supplemented with 4.5 μM BA, whereas rooting occurred when BA levels were <3.4 μM. Problems with phenol oxidation and its diffusion into the medium were circumvented with addition of 0.1μM citric acid and 500 mgliter −1 PVPP. The use of 60 μM rifampicin provided effective control of most bacterial contaminants. Nonchimeric albino foliage was observed on 30% of shoots produced on agar. Seventy four percent of basal rosettes rooted directly in peat plugs under high humidity within 10 weeks. Normal growth morphology was exhibited after plants were subjected to a 10-week dormancy treatment (3°C, dark). Chemical names used: N -(phenylmethyl)-1 H -purin-6-amine (BA); polyvinylpolypyrolidone (PVPP).