In vitro germination and development of synthetic seeds of orchid Epipactis veratrifolia

Synthetic seed production technology is a modern and efficient approach for propagation and storage of valuable plants. This technique can be adapted for the propagation of orchids to overcome the sexual propagation problems of these valuable species. This study was conducted to establish a protocol for production of synthetic seeds of orchid Epipactis veratrifolia from 6-8 week-old protocorms. The protocorms were obtained from a culture of seed on modified FAST medium. For encapsulation, different concentrations of sodium alginate (3 and 4%) and calcium chloride (75, 100, 150 mM CaCl2⋅2H2O) solution were investigated to achieve the best matrix gel for production of the synthetic seeds. The protocorms were encapsulated in the matrix gel for 20 to 25 minutes. After encapsulation, the seeds were cultured on the modified FAST medium for examination of their seedlings performance. 17 days later, growth parameters including the percentage of germination were measured. The best percentage of germination (100%), was obtained by using 4% sodium alginate and 75 mM CaCl2⋅2H2O.seeds made of 3% sodium alginate and 75 mM CaCl2.2H2O were showed the minimum percentage of germination (45%). Seeds made of this concentrations were very soft and No capsules were produced

Keywords:

Encapsulation , Sodium alginate , Protocorm , Orchids , Synthetic seed