Abstract

Micropropagation, a widely used technique for the rapid clonal propagation of plants, has shown significant promise in various applications. However, its impact on seed viability and the potential introduction of dust particles into plant tissue cultures has received limited attention. In this study, we investigated the effects of micropropagation on seed viabilities and dust contamination in two clonal genotypes of Solanum nigrum, a common weed species. Our results reveal that micropropagation has a negative impact on seed viabilities in both genotypes, with a significant reduction in germination rates compared to seeds obtained from conventionally propagated plants. Additionally, we found that dust particles introduced during the micropropagation process can impair the growth and development of regenerated plantlets.

These findings underscore the need for careful consideration of the consequences of micropropagation, not only in terms of genetic uniformity and disease resistance but also with respect to seed production and potential contamination issues. Further research is required to develop strategies to mitigate these adverse effects and optimize the use of micropropagation in plant breeding and conservation programs. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the broader implications of micropropagation and its potential drawbacks in specific plant species.