IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF SPATHOGLOTTIS PLICATA BLUME VIA ASYMBIOTIC SEED GERMINATION.

Abstract

In vitro propagation, callus induction, protocorms, regeneration and S. plicata The loss of plant genetic resources has necessitated the development of many ex situ conservation techniques. The application of plant tissue culture techniques in orchid conservation and propagation requires an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol. This study reports the development of such highly efficient protocols for the in vitro asymbiotic seed germination of Spathoglottis plicata. The seeds were successfully germinated asymbiotically on Gamborg B5 (1968).Various growth regulators such as 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Indole acetic acid (IAA) Benzyladenine (BA) and Kinetin individually were used for callus induction and multiple shoot initiation from the protocorms. B5 medium supplemented with 2,4-D (9.03 µM) was suitable for callus induction. Calli developed a route of production of protocorm-like bodies and eventually develop into plantlets on transfer to growth regulator free half strength basal medium. The well rooted plants were hardened successfully in the potting mixture containing coconut husk, sand, charcoal, and brick pieces in the ratio 1:1:1:1. Copy Right, IJAR, 2017,. All rights reserved. Introduction:-Orchidaceae is a highly successful family, with representatives capable of occupying almost every ecological situation, apart from marine environments and habitats characterized by extreme cold throughout the year. Orchids exhibit an incredible range of diversity in size, shape and colour of their flowers and as a result, these plants have great ornamental value (Kasulo et al., 2009). In India, orchids form 9% of the flora. It is estimated that about 1300 species belonging to 140 genera are present in the Himalayas with others scattered in Eastern and Western Ghats (Jain, 1980). Around 10% (3000) of the world's total orchid species are believed to be endangered in their native habitats. Orchids are subject to high levels of threat, through both natural and anthropogenic causes. The greatest threat to orchid diversity is habitat loss. Clearance of natural vegetation for ranching, monocrop agriculture, mining, logging, burning and urban development, has decimated many orchid species. Habitat destruction triggers the loss of pollinators, other plants and fungi on which the orchids mostly depend for their survival (Hagsater and Dumont, 1996). Micropropagation has major advantages over conventional methods of plant propagation. It is an invaluable aid in the multiplication of elite clones of recalcitrant species, and is important in terms of multiplying plants throughout the year, with control over most facets of production. It is possible to generate pathogen free plants, even from explants of infected mother plants, plant materials such as male sterile, fertility maintainer and restorer lines can be cloned; and it enables the production of large number of plants in a short time from a selected number of genotypes,