Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Passiflora caerulea L., commonly known as the blue passionflower, is traditionally grown as an ornamental plant, but has a diverse chemical composition resulting in a wide range of biological activities that determine its pharmacological properties and use in medicine. Traditional propagation methods, including seed germination and vegetative cuttings, are often inefficient due to low germination rates, susceptibility to pathogens, and slow growth. In particular, P. caerulea presents significant challenges in germination due to its slow development. In this context, in vitro cultivation is used to enable rapid, large-scale plant production while maintaining genetic fidelity. The study of Passiflora tissue cultures began in 1966 and has since attracted increasing attention from researchers around the world. However, despite growing interest, studies specifically focused on the in vitro propagation of P. caerulea remain limited. This review aims to summarize existing knowledge on the main techniques used for in vitro culturing and propagation of P. caerulea, including organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, and callogenesis. Particular attention is paid to the key factors that influence the initiation, growth, and regeneration of cultures, including the type of explant, the composition of the media, and the environmental conditions. Advances in the in vitro cultivation of P. caerulea have greatly improved the understanding and propagation of this species. Although in vitro cultivation offers several advantages, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the selection of explants, their age, and the appropriate culture media to ensure optimal growth and development.
Source: Sci
DOI: 10.3390/sci7030090
Institutions: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Agricultural Academy
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,448
Funder: Bulgarian National Science Fund
Awards: G3259846877, G6451056559
OpenAlex ID: W4411960842
