In vitro propagation of orchids

Abstract

The major objectives of the investigations were to standardize the method for in vitro propagation of orchids both through seed/embryo culture and meristem culture. Bletilla hyacinthine, Dendrobium phalaenopsis were selected for the seed/embryo culture studies while Epidendrum radicans, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’ and Cymbidium munronianum, C. aloifolium were selected for tissue culture studies. Modified Vacin Went medium was found most suitable for the germination of Bletilla hyacinthine seeds while Burgeff N3f medium supported the best germination in Dendrobium phalaenopsis, IAA (1 mg l-1) when incorporated in the medium enhanced seed germination and subsequent growth in both the species. It was also observed that coconut water 15% v/v had no effect on seed germination but it was very much helpful in subsequent growth and development of seedlings. Tissue culture studies revealed that Vacin-Went medium best suited for callus formation and differentiation in all the species studied followed by MS and Kc media. IAA and NAA incorporated in the medium (1 mg l-1) gave more number of plantlets compared to control in Epidendrum radicans, while in Vanda ‘Miss Joaquim’ the best results were obtained by incorporating coconut water15% v/v in addition to IAA and NAA (1 mg l-1). It was also observed that NAA+BA (1 mg l-1) was helpful in producing multiple plantlets from the nodal sections of Epidendrum radicans.