Effects of Sterilization Time, Medium Composition, and Temperature on Germination of Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes var. bulbosa (Orchidaceae) in vitro

Abstract

The effects of sterilization time, medium composition, and temperature on the germination of Calypso bulbosa were studied. Mature seeds treated with sodium hypochlorite solution (1% available chlorine) for four to eight min showed high germination percentages. Although there were no differences in germination percentage among the four media tested, protocorm growth on Tsutsui and Tomita medium was slightly better. Incubation temperature significantly affected both germination and protocorm development. Transplanting damage to seedlings was reduced when the cultures were maintained between 17.5 and 20°C in the dark. Bulb formations were observed on the protocorm masses when they were moved to continuous light condition (500 lux).