Regeneration of Dendrobium wardianum warner (Orchidaceae) from synthetic seeds

Abstract

Protocorm-like-bodies (plbs), obtained by culturing shoot apices of D. wardianum D. pendulum on modified MS medium, were encapsulated in calcium alginate beads. The beads were placed on basal MS medium and cultured at 24øC under a 16-h photoperiod. Percentage regeneration (with or without BA in the medium) was 100% for encapsulated plbs, compared with only 60% for non-encapsulated plbs. The beads could be stored for up to 180 days at 4ø, but the percentage regeneration declined (to only 10% after 180 days) as storage duration increased. Multiple plantlets were obtained when the culture medium contained no growth regulators, but not when it contained 5 mg BA/litre. Plantlets were eventually potted on, with about 65% survival.