In vitro propagation of Paepalanthus chiquitensis Herzog (Eriocaulaceae), an endangered everlasting flower species

Paepalanthus chiquitensis Herzog (Eriocaulaceae) is a neotropical everlasting marketed internationally in the dry flower segment. In situ exploitation has led to the possibility of extinction, necessitating the identification of alternatives for maintaining its natural populations. In vitro cultivation, a promising biotechnological tool that allows plant regeneration under aseptic conditions, has been explored in several Brazilian ornamental plants. However, no reports on in vitro cultivation of P. chiquitensis have been reported. Here, we aimed to establish an in vitro cultivation protocol for P. chiquitensis from diaspores collected in their natural habitat. Explant disinfection with 0.75% sodium hypochlorite solution reduced the contamination rate and allowed better germination. Although the species developed well in a culture medium without the addition of cytokinins or auxins, supplementation of naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA; 1 mg L− 1) and isopentenyl adenine (1 mg L− 1) and the combination of NAA (0.25 mg L− 1) and activated charcoal (2 g L− 1) promoted shoot and root development, respectively. These results pave the foundation for future studies on in vitro cultivation of P. chiquitensis to mitigate the risk of extinction of everlastings.