In vitro micropropagation of poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria) via direct organogenesis or embryogenesis for wild plant conservation needs
Supervisor Name
Dr. Hani Al-Ahmad
Supervisor Email
alahmad@najah.edu
University
An-Najah National University
Research field
Biotechnology
Bio
Dr. Hani Al-Ahmad: Associate professor. PhD: Plant Biotechnology; Plant Molecular Genetics. Field of interests: Transgene flow mitigation, plant-based bioenergy genetic approaches, and establishment of in vitro plant tissue culture regeneration and genetic transformation systems for various plant species (including woody spp.) that are economically important, endangered, or of medicinal significance............ E-mail: alahmad@najah.edu Personal Website: https://staff.najah.edu/en/profiles/2428/ Google Scholar Profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=yO2lCIcAAAAJ
It is imperative to propagate and conserve wild plant species, particularly those that are rare or endangered or possess cultural, medicinal, economic, or ecological value. In the West Bank of Palestine, the fragmented natural habitats and the ongoing political conflict have resulted in the deterioration of biodiversity, including scarce wild and planted forests. To address this pressing issue, in vitro micropropagation of poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria) via direct organogenesis or embryogenesis is a promising approach for wild plant conservation. This method involves the propagation of plant cells or tissues in a controlled laboratory environment, which can lead to the rapid multiplication of high-quality plant material. By employing this technique, we can ensure the conservation of rare and endangered wild plant species and maintain their genetic diversity for future generations. Therefore, the propagation and conservation of such endemic species are imperative. In this regard, the increasing understanding of in vitro plant propagation biotechnological strategies is proving indispensable in devising policies and actions that preserve the rare elite wild plant species. The harmonious fusion of traditional methods, such as in situ conservation and seed storage, with cutting-edge biotechnologies, such as rapid in vitro plant propagation and multiplication, can yield effective solutions, particularly when the availability of plant resources is restricted. It is the primary objective of our proposed research methodology to augment the fundamental biological knowledge and experimental abilities of the undergraduate BSc student: "Leen Azab-Reg. Number 12218057" in biotechnologies applied to the micropropagation, conservation, and regeneration of the selected West Bank-native wild and rare poppy anemone (Anemone coronaria). The skill sets acquired in Dr. Hani Al-Ahmad's lab at An-Najah National University (NNU) on plant biotechnology, particularly on in vitro propagation of wild species, will be utilized in developing comparable in vitro strategies for the multiplication and regeneration of poppy anemone.
