In vitro Asymbiotic Germination of Immature Seed and Formation of Protocorm by Aerides odorata (Orchidaceae)

The orchid are one of the largest family of flowering plants. Taxonomically, they represent thehighly evolved family among the monocotyledon with approximately 700 to 800 genera and2500 -35000 species (Garay, 1960; Arditti, 1979). The orchid seeds also considered capable ofgerminating in vitro prior to reaching maturity and their culture has been referred to as ovule/embryo/ green pod culture (Sagawa, 1963). This technique has added new dimensions tocommercial cultivation of these plants as it ensure better germination frequency, reduces the timelapse between pollination and sowing of seeds, and helps in propagation of rare and endangeredspecies beside recovering progenies of desired mating’s ( Vij et al., 2000). With this backgroundthe present study was conducted on the floriculturally important orchid with view to assess invitro Asymbiotic germination potential of seeds using immature ‘green pod culture’ technique.In the present study, the immature seeds (22 weeks after pollination) were inoculated on Mitra etal., (1976). The seeds showed germination response in most of the nutrient combinations in themedium. Among the media combinations fortified with different additives M+NAA+Kn(2.5+2mgl-1) and Yeast extract (1.5gl-1) proved the optimal for growth and development ofprotocorms within 55 days after inoculation. Luxuriant growth of seedlings was obtain in 105days of culturing.

Keywords:

In vitro , Immature seed germination , Aerides odorata , Different additives