View/Open - ResearchSpace - University of KwaZulu-Natal
View/Open - ResearchSpace - University of KwaZulu-Natal
View/Open - ResearchSpace - University of KwaZulu-Natal
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1.2 AIMS AND HYPOTHESES<br />
Introduction<br />
The general aim <strong>of</strong> this study was to investigate the conditions that promote growth<br />
and development in a number <strong>of</strong> Romulea species both ex vitro and in vitro to aid its<br />
commercialisation and conservation. In more detail, the aims <strong>of</strong> this study were:<br />
• To investigate the environmental factors that influence the development and<br />
growth <strong>of</strong> R. sabulosa and R. leipoldtii in their natural habitat and to replicate<br />
these conditions for ex vitro growth;<br />
• To investigate the germination physiology <strong>of</strong> R. camerooniana, R.<br />
diversiformis, R. flava, R. leipoldtii, R. minutiflora, R. monadelpha, R. rosea<br />
and R. sabulosa and to improve seed germination in some <strong>of</strong> these species<br />
that show low germination;<br />
• To obtain suitable protocols to initiate cultures for the micropropagation <strong>of</strong> R.<br />
diversiformis, R. flava, R. leipoldtii, R. monadelpha, R. minutiflora and R.<br />
sabulosa;<br />
• To establish suitable protocols for shoot multiplication for R. leipoldtii, R.<br />
minutiflora and R. sabulosa;<br />
• To investigate whether embryogenesis readily occurs in the presence <strong>of</strong> 2,4-D;<br />
• To establish protocols for in vitro corm production and ex vitro corm<br />
germination for R. leipoldtii, R. minutiflora and R. sabulosa;<br />
• To establish an in vitro flowering protocol for R. minutiflora; and<br />
• To promote the commercialisation <strong>of</strong> Romulea species<br />
It was expected that there will be a correlation between geographical distribution and<br />
suitable ex vitro and in vitro stimuli. The suitable culture conditions were expected to<br />
be similar to that <strong>of</strong> Crocus species due to their close relationship with this genus.<br />
3