Perspectives of synthetic seed technology for conservation and mass propagation of the medicinal plant castilleja tenuiflora benth

The production of synthetic seeds through encapsulation is a technology that is used for the storage and conservation of germplasm of medicinal plants, as well as their propagation. This chapter describes the protocol used for the production of synthetic seeds of Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. Different concentrations of sodium alginate and calcium chloride dihydrate had an effect on the shape of the capsules and their transparency and consistency. With 3% sodium alginate and 50 mM calcium chloride dihydrate, the capsules were spherical, translucent, and firm in consistency. On the other hand, the storage of synthetic seeds elaborated with micro-stakes of C. tenuiflora at 4 °C and in darkness for a period of 50 days allowed a germination of 86% and a conversion of 90% without modifying the chemical profile of the plants generated. Additionally, the feasibility of generating biomass in in vitro conditions from the use of synthetic seeds is demonstrated.