The species Lippia gracilis Schauer (Verbenaceae) is native to Northeastern Brazil and has been important for its ability to accumulate essential oils with antimicrobial activity in the glandular trichomes. Since there are no reports in the literature on the micropropagation of this species, the present work aimed to establish a protocol for L. gracilis micropropagation. Thus, branches containing leaves were collected from plant matrices in their natural habitat to prepare cuttings. In the laboratory, explants from cutting were aseptically treated and inoculated onto MS medium plus plant growth regulators in order to establish the best dose for the development of explants. Due to high levels of contamination, the effect of cephalexin was evaluated. Although the antibiotic decreased the bacterial contamination, the percentage of oxidation was high. Then, activated charcoal, ascorbic acid, citric acid and half the salts of MS were tested for their effectiveness to control oxidation. In conclusion, the used antibiotic concentration resulted in oxidation of explants. Furthermore, plant growth regulators and antioxidant methods did not show consistent results for a better development of explants and control of oxidation, respectively.
Lippia gracilis; essential oils; micropropagation
