Study and in vitro preservation of the rare endangered species Prunus armeniaca L. in Kazakhstan

Background. The decline of plants in natural populations leads to biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption. Comprehensive study and restoration of degrading populations, particularly of rare species, is highly relevant. Plant tissue culture biotechnology is an important tool for conserving genetic diversity.

Materials and methods. A total of 115 accessions of Prunus armeniaca L. from two populations in Almaty Region were collected and studied employing geobotanical and tissue culture techniques.

Results. Descriptor-based evaluation (46 parameters) was conducted, herbarium specimens were prepared, remote sensing was performed, a digital elevation model (DEM) and orthophotomap were created, and NDVI values (0.3–0.7) were calculated. For in vitro initiation of embryonic axes, Knop’s medium proved optimal, with 94.5% viability. Medium 523 showed a low contamination rate (1.1%). The highest multiplication rate (MR) of 2.9 was achieved on the MS5 medium supplemented with 1 mg L^–1 of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.3 mg L^–1 of gibberellic acid (GA).

Conclusion. The actual condition of the populations was determined: high incidence of damage (up to 52.6%) and absence of fruiting in certain areas. Cartographic maps of the territory were made. The effectiveness of Knop’s medium for in vitro germination of embryonic axes was confirmed, and testing of in vitro shoots on medium 523 showed a low contamination level (1.1%). The highest MR (2.9) was obtained on the MS5 medium with elevated concentrations of BAP and GA.

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