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Abstract

Dianella tasmanica (flax lily), a member of the family Asphodelaceae, is an ornamental plant with increasing commercial demand in Pakistan due to its aesthetic appeal and adaptability. The present study was conducted to develop an efficient in vitro propagation protocol by optimizing plant growth regulators in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium for rapid multiplication, rooting, and acclimatization of flax lily plantlets. Various combinations of cytokinins and auxins were evaluated for shoot induction, bulblet formation, and root development, followed by assessment of different compost mixtures for acclimatization. Maximum shoot length (8.5 cm) was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP, 1.0 mg/L IBA, and 1.0 mg/L IAA, along with 40 g/L sucrose and 10% coconut water. The highest number of shoots was observed in media containing 1.0 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L BAP combined with 1.0 mg/L IBA and IAA. Bulblet proliferation was most pronounced in medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BAP, whereas maximum bulblet length was achieved with 1.5 mg/L BAP in combination with the same auxins. For rooting, MS medium fortified with 3.0 mg/L IBA, along with 2.0 mg/L BAP, 1.0 mg/L IAA, and 0.5 g/L activated charcoal produced the highest number of roots (6), while maximum root length (2.5 cm) was observed at 5.0 mg/L IBA. Multiple bulblets were successfully induced from single explants, leading to efficient shoot proliferation. Rooted plantlets were transferred to soil after two months and acclimatized under controlled conditions (25±2°C, 16/8 h photoperiod). Among the tested substrates, kitchen waste compost promoted maximum shoot length, while fish waste compost enhanced shoot thickness during acclimatization. The plantlets were successfully established in greenhouse conditions. This study provides a reliable and efficient protocol for large-scale propagation and commercialization of D. tasmanica in Pakistan.

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