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Activities |
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Laboratory
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Seed store |
Projects |
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A small laboratory was set
up and supplied with the basic equipment in 2003, and at
the beginning of 2004 we started with the experimental
phase of cultivating some selected rare and endemic plants
of the Croatian flora (Ragusan knapweed, the Velebit
carnation and others). |
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The advantage of the
cultivation of plant tissue in vitro is the
relatively rapid reproduction of whole plants from a
small sample (a pair or seeds or buds, no more).
In the first phase we germinate the seeds on
artificial media that contain mineral salts,
vitamins, sugar and plant hormones). In the second
phase, the sprouts are transferred to a
subcultivation medium. Some parts of the sprouting
plants are removed – such as the buds or parts of
the stem – and are further reproduced (subcultivation,
as it is called). Thus from only a single sprout, a
hundred plants can be obtained by subcultivation.
The young plants are then rooted on a special basal
medium (gel or a liquid base) and transferred to
sterilised soil. Then comes the final phase –
acclimatisation to external conditions of
temperature and atmospheric humidity. |
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Velebitski karanfil in vitro
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Until this moment the
plants have grown in an ideal laboratory surrounding
with constant temperature, lighting and
hundred-percent relative humidity (the plants are
inside closed test tubes or flasks). By the gradual
process of getting them used to real-life
conditions, the plants become hardier, more
resistant and robust. This is a very sensitive
phase, and is frequently crucial for the further
successful development of plants in vivo.
Experimental cultivation includes testing out
nutrient bases with various different plant
hormones, in different concentrations. Media that
give the best results will be used for later routine
reproduction.
A large number
of endemic, endangered and rare plant species grow
in Croatia, and it is certainly worthwhile
preserving them. Such ex situ programmes of
protection can certainly help in this. |
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Aklimatizirana dubrovačka zečina
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We introduce the
plants into permanent cultivation (in laboratories
and beds) and in this way ensure their survival
(similar to the breeding of rare animal species in
zoological gardens). This is in particular
important for those species the natural populations
of which have suddenly shrunk because of the
destruction of their habitats, climatic changes,
human negligence and irresponsibility. It is our
objective to organise occasional sales of plants
grown in this way, for the sake of public education,
particularly that of the very young. |
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Isklijavanje velebitske degenije in vitro |
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