Presenter: Alyson DeNittis
Authors: Alyson DeNittis, Hayden Oyler, Chaylee Coston, Olga Kopp
Faculty Advisor: Olga Kopp
Institution: Utah Valley University
Arctomecon humilis(Dwarf bear-poppy) is an endangered plant restricted to gypsum-rich soils of the Moenkopi formation that occur near the St. George area in southern Utah. A. humilispopulations face multiple threats, from extensive urban development and anthropogenic disturbance to pollinator shifts and encroachment of invasive species.Additionally, documented attempts to propagate A. humilis both in vitro and ex vitro have been unsuccessful. Given that propagation is considered critical for species recovery and management, the purpose of this study is to develop a protocol for in vitromicropropagation of A. humilisusing leaf and meristem culture. Multiple shoot proliferation has been successfully achieved in nutrient culture media using plant growth regulators, which will be reported. Ongoing experiments include optimization of sterilization procedures, as well as reduction of lethal browning caused by the release of phenolic compounds in culture environments. Lethal browning experiments were carried out to test the effect of citric acid, ascorbic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and charcoal on explant tissue. Further results on growth conditions, rooting experiments, and acclimation will also be reported. Successful organogenesis, as well as continued improvement in the culture environment, are critical steps in developing micropropagation protocols for A. humilis.