Comparison of Three Cytokinins on In vitro Multiplication of Orbea semota, a Conical, Stout-Teethed Succulent

Abstract Background Orbea semota is a much-branched succulent with erect or procumbent grey-green to dark green stems with dark maroon or dark brown flowers possessing yellow marks at the tips. It is native to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda growing in rocky places and there is great potential for its use as a medicinal plant, as well as, commercial trade and cultivation as an ornamental in Jamaica. The purpose of the study is to select the most effective cytokinin for the shoot proliferation of Orbea semota using stem cuttings. Results Medium A (containing 2iP) produced the best results at shoot proliferation than all other media used. The mean lengths of the shoots produced by Medium A (19.0 ± 11.4 mm and 10.5 ± 3.8 mm) were significantly greater than that of the shoots produced by all other media. Significantly larger quantities of shoots were generated using Medium A than all other media (3.4 ± 1.3 and 4.0 ± 1.9). Conclusions The present study details an efficient and reproducible protocol for the in vitro shoot multiplication of Orbea semota. This current investigation assured effective establishment, mass multiplication and could offer an in vitro strategy for the ex situ conservation of this succulent that has great potential as a medicinal plant, as well as, commercial cultivation and trade as an ornamental in Jamaica. The results obtained showed that Medium A was the most optimal medium at promoting shoot proliferation. Therefore, of the three cytokinins investigated 2iP produced the best results at stimulating shoot multiplication and growth of Orbea semota.