Phylogenetic identification of Balkan endemic Stachys species and genomic stability during ex vitro conservation

The genus Stachys is one of the largest in Lamiaceae family. Representatives are among most ancient medicinal plants used ethnomedicine. Balkan endemic species S. thracica , bulgarica and scardica included Red Data Book Bulgaria due to their endangered status scarcely studied. aim present work was examine genetic these three during process ex situ conservation. To gain information about taxonomic position we applied DNA barcoding approach. Nuclear (ITS) plastid ( rbcL matK trnH‑psbA ) barcodes were generated aligned with accessions available data base. In constructed phylogenetic trees placed a cluster together alpina germanica cretica while clustered officinalis . conservation achieved by initiation vitro shoot cultures subsequent adaptation conditions. check genomic stability acclimatisation from conditions analysis sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers performed. No difference detected between SRAP profiles cultivated adapted plants. only 0.4% fragment detected. obtained results indicated that preserved multiplication, which prerequisite for conserved bioactive capacity.