In vitro propagation of Artemisia petrosa spp. eriantha: potential for the preservation of an endengered species

A micropropagation method was developed for Artemisia petrosa ssp. eriantha (Genepı`), a central Apennines’ endemic which represents, at present, an endangered species due to indiscriminate harvest for commercial purposes, mainly liqueur production. Medium composition, and in particular the presence of CaCO3, influenced the rate of propagation which, under optimal conditions, reached an average of 30 – 35 shoots/explant. After in vitro rooting, and transfer to soil, a number of plantlets suitable for reintroduction in nature were produced.