Plant biodiversity at high altitude: In vitro preservation

"In vitro propagation is a valuable technique to overcome the increasing issues related to climatic changes and the impact of human activity on biodiversity. This method allows us to provide a high number of controlled and certified plants to be used in place of the protected wild-type ones. In particular, we focus on high altitude plants endangered because of their indiscriminate collection for ornamental purposes or liquor production. We investigate strategies to preserve these plants, also making use of in vitro propagation. We successfully regenerated in vitro Artemisia umbelliformis subsp. eriantha and Leontopodium nivale, which are now grown in experimental fields at high altitude located in the "Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga" National Park, at an altitude 1000 to 2100 m. Moreover, we are developing the protocol for in vitro propagation of Androsace mathildae."