In vitro propagation of anathallis adenochila (Loefgr.) F. Barros (Orchidaceae), A species endemic to southern and southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Anathallis adenochila is a small epiphytic orchid, endemic to the Atlantic Forest in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil. Information on the species is scarce and limited to distribution and occurrence data, with no re- ports about its development. In the present study, plantlets were propagated in vitro, and the influence of different concentrations of macronutrient salts and sucrose on the survival and development of the species was assessed. The analysis were performed on complete Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and half MS medium (with half-strength macronutrients) containing 10, 30 or 60 g L-1 of sucrose. Plantlet survival, height of the aerial part, and the length of the longest root were significantly greater on half MS medium containing 30 or 60 g L-1 of sucrose. The number of leaves per plantlet was higher in the presence of 60 g L-1 of sucrose, regardless of macronutrient concentration, and the highest number of roots was observed in plantlets cultured on half MS medium with 60 g L-1 of sucrose. This first report of Anathallis adenochila in vitro propagation may contribute to future studies on the physiological and ecological aspects of the life cycle of this species.