title: Ex situconservation ofRuscus aculeatusL. - ruscogenin biosynthesis, genome-size stability and propagation traits of tissue-cultured clones.
abstract: Ruscus aculeatusL. is a perennial semi-shrub with distinctive leaf-like branches (cladodes). Rhizomes and roots contain steroidal saponins (ruscogenins) that are used in medicine and cosmetics for their anti-inflammatory, venotonic and antihaemorroidal activity. Problematic cultivation of the species causes in many countries unsustainable over-collection from the wild. Tissue culture propagation ofR. aculeatuswas carried out for conservation and propagation purposes. The impact of the clonal origin (genotype) on the ruscogenin biosynthesis, genome-size stability and propagation traits and morpho-physiological response to long-term cultivationin vitrowas studied. Production of ruscogenins in fully developed regenerants was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Genome-size stability of the clones was assessed by flow cytometry. Slow growth and prolonged lag-phase were characteristic for the whole propagation cycle. Produced plantlets with well-defined organs were suitable for directex vitroplanting. Genome DNA content of all clones was stable and comparable to native plants. Ruscogenin biosynthesis was clone-specific, presenting distinctive profiles of the cultures. Our results imply that clone origin and culture type might influence saponin biosynthesis inRuscus.These traits should be considered in theex situconservation of the genetic diversity of this species and by production of planting material as well.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Fungal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences , Sofia , Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Teodora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ivanova
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Fungal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences , Sofia , Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Dessislava
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dimitrova
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Fungal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences , Sofia , Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Chavdar
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gussev
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Fungal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences , Sofia , Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Yulia
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bosseva
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Fungal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences , Sofia , Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Tatyana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stoeva
keywords: HPLC; cytometry; in vitro; micropropagation; origin