Deciphering key factors for in vitro culture of Ulex europaeus L. using artificial intelligence tools: A biotechnological strategy for conservation

The presence of invasive alien species (IAS) significantly impacts the conservation status of insular Natura 2000 natural habitats within the Maritime-Terrestrial Galician Atlantic Islands National Park (NW Spain). The LIFE Insular project aims to develop an integrated conservation strategy for the Natura 2000 insular habitats (2130* and 4030), focusing on native flora restoration following IAS removal.
As a key native species in these restoration efforts, Ulex europaeus L. (gorse) requires efficient propagation methods for its reintroduction.
In this context, micropropagation has been identified as an effective technique.
This study used neurofuzzy logic, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that integrates artificial neural network (ANN) with fuzzy logic to identify the key media components for efficient gorse micropropagation.
Four different culture media were tested: two full-strength (MS and WPM) and two half-strength versions of each (½MS and ½ WPM), where the macronutrient constituents were halved.
For each medium, three sucrose concentrations were tested: 10, 20, and 30 g L^‑1. Four growth and quality parameters were assessed: shoot number (SN), shoot length (SL), explant length (EL), and shoot quality (SQ). Neurofuzzy logic allowed the analysis of the individual effects of macro- and micronutrient mineral salt ions.
The model identified Cu²⁺, SO₄^2-, and sucrose as crucial factors.
Specifically, it revealed a positive interaction between low Cu²⁺ and high sucrose on SN and SL, a positive effect of SO₄^2- on EL, and independent effects of Cu²⁺ (negative) and SO₄^2- (positive) on SQ. Neurofuzzy logic results provided insights that helped to improve U. europaeus micropropagation rates.
Additionally, they highlighted the importance of AI-assisted optimization of media composition for successful micropropagation of native species that have not yet been micropropagated, emphasizing that such AI-driven analyses are essential for the conservation and restoration of these species.

International Symposium on Biotechnological Tools in Horticulture

A. Meira, J. Ferreiro da Costa, P. Ramil-Rego, M. Landin, M.E. Barreal, P.P. Gallego, T.A. Arteta

ex situ conservation, fuzzy logic, gorse, micropropagation, plant tissue culture

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1454.15