In Vitro Propagation of Ornamental Grass 'Bowles' Golden' (Carex elata 'Aurea')

Bowles' Golden (Carex elata 'Aurea'), known for its deer and moisture tolerance, is a very distinctive ornamental grass. The grasses shimmering yellow blades, with fine green edges that curl gracefully towards the ground, delicately softens any landscape. It is very well-suited for moist or wet areas, as it can thrive in up to three inches of water. It mixes beautifully with any flower bulb or perennial plants to create spectacular and elegantly mobile combinations. Traditional propagation of Bowle’s Golden sedge is accomplished through tiller separation, one plant can produce 3-5 plants in one year. Market demand of Bowle’s Golden sedge is increasing and low propagation rates are a limiting factor for this highly decorative grasses commercialization. Plant tissue culture based micro-propagation is ideal for the mass propagation of high value ornamentals, such as Bowle’s Golden. A threefold propagation rate per month was obtained by single shoot culture in MS liquid medium supplemented with BA and IAA. Shoot rooting rate was 90 % in MS solid medium supplemented with 0.8 g/L activated charcoal. Plantlets was acclimatized in greenhouse with 100% survival rate.