INTRODUCTION OF DRACOCEPHALUM MOLDAVICA L. IN VITRO CULTURE

B a c k g r o u n d . Dracocephalum moldavica L. is widely used in folk medicine in many countries of the world due to its antispasmodic, antibacterial, analgesic, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. D. moldavica essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and cosmetology. The use of biotechnological methods for obtaining secondary plant metabolites has become increasingly popular in recent years. On the one hand, they serve as a source of substances beneficial for pharmacology, while on the other hand, aseptic microclones of medicinal plants can be utilized as model organisms to explore methods to enhance the biosynthesis of specific target products. The in vitro use of plants for the production of biologically active substances is also a crucial and pertinent method for the conservation of natural biodiversity. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for introducing the medicinal plant Dracocephalum moldavica into in vitro culture. M e t h o d s. To introduce Dracocephalum moldavica plants into in vitro culture, the conditions for seed sterilization were carefully selected. The effectiveness of treatment with succinic acid in combination with various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite solution (20%, 50%, or 70%) was assessed to obtain aseptic material and ensure a high percentage of seed germination. The duration of seeds viability after storage for 1, 2, and 3 years was determined by testing seed germination in soil and in vitro. R e s u l t s . Seeds of D. moldavica have a relatively low germination rate when planted in soil and quickly lose their viability. In vitro cultivation can significantly enhance the germination of fresh seeds and allow for a more efficient use of two- and three-year-old seeds. The stimulating effect of succinic acid on the seed germination and seedling development of Dracocephalum moldavica has been observed, but it also activated the growth of fungal and bacterial infections. Therefore, it is advisable to use this stimulant only along with a more intensive sterilizing agent. C o n c l u s i o n s . The optimal method for introducing Dracocephalum moldavica from seeds into in vitro culture has been determined: pre-treatment of seeds with succinic acid followed by sterilization using 70% sodium hypochlorite.