In vitro culture as a powerful method for conserving Iranian ornamental geophytes

Never before in history has the issue of preserving biodiversity been of such significance than today, to the extent that it has become an important global issue. Nowadays, humans have a massive impact on biodiversity whether in rural, urban, or wilderness settings. Besides, biodiversity today is also being significantly constrained by climate change and the introduction of new varieties of plants. Plant tissue culture is a method that can be useful for collecting, storing, and multiplicating of plant germplasms. Nowadays, many valuable germplasms are in danger of extinction, especially in Iran. Thus, there is a necessity to preserve valuable Iranian ornamental geophytes such as Oxalis articulate, Eminium jaegeri, Muscari kurdicum, Leopoldia tijtijensis, Gagea calcicola, Tulipa faribae, Gagea alexia, and Allium. In this study, plant tissue culture as well as In vitro conservation techniques as means for medium- and long-term conservation of Iranian ornamental geophytes is reviewed. There are only few studies on plant tissue culture of Iranian ornamental geophytes despite their great importance in Iran. To our knowledge, there is no report on cryopreservation of the abovementioned plants. In conclusion, the methods presented in this review can be utilized for conserving these valuable germplasms for future generations.