Article

The causes of limited number and distribution of critically endangered Nepeta rtanjensis were investigated in the sense of ecophysiological status of this species. Three populations of N. rtanjensis were subjected to analysis of photosynthetic efficiency: natural population (growing at Rtanj Mt.), re-introduced population (the population established by planting of seedlings near the natural site) and the cultivated population (growing in controlled conditions). The seedlings for planting were obtained by the method of in vitro micropropagation and pre-adapted for ex vitro planting. The aim of this study was to achieve data on ecophysiological adaptation of in vitro propagated seedlings. Results showed that the favorable photosynthetic efficiency of these plants was related to their successful adaptation at natural site. Such adaptive response is in favor of further propagation and re-introduction of this rare species.