Morpho-agronomic characteristics of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) derived from in-vitro culture

¹ Indonesian Spices and Medicinal Crops Research Institute, Bogor, Indonesia
² Central Java Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: fatimahsyahidsitti@gmail.com

Abstract

Valeriana officinalis belongs to the Valerianaceae family, is a well-known herb and medicinal plant. Plant roots are commonly used as medicine by the pharmaceutical industry. Observation on morpho-agronomic characteristics of valerian propagated in vitro is needed to determine their morphological characteristics and production in the field. The study aimed to observe the morphological characteristics of valerian derived from in vitro culture. The experiment was conducted at the Indonesian Spices and Medicinal Crops Research Institute (ISMCRI) Bogor, arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Each replication consisted of ten individual plants. Valerian plantlets from in vitro culture were acclimatized in the greenhouse and planted in media composed of a mixture of soil, compost, and husk. Afterward, 3 months old valerian was then transferred into a polybag. The plants were harvested at 9 and 12 months after planting (MAP). Valerian plantlets from in vitro propagation were successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse. Furthermore, the morphological characteristics of the plant were similar to the parents. The yield was significantly higher at 12 MAP than 9 MAP. The tissue culture technique was prospective for valerian propagation to support rapid plant material provision for seeds or raw material for the pharmaceutical industry.