Journal of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Asymbiotic seed germination and in vitro seedling development of Epidendrum radicans Pav. Ex Lindl. (Orchidaceae)
María Dolores García-Suárez, Yareli Odemaris Buendía López, José Ángel Lechuga Corchado, Héctor Serrano

Abstract
Epidendrum radicans is a terrestrial orchid native to México. Here we evaluated its in vitro seed germination and early protocorm development under the effects of twelve asymbiotic media combinations consisted of three basic formulations (Minimum Medium, Murashige & Skoog and Knudson C) supplemented with four naphthaleneacetic acid concentrations as plant growth regulator. Maximum seed germination percentage where an improved seed germination of 48% was achieved, was Knudson C media added with 0.1 mg/L NAA, whereas under 3.0 mg/L, no growth was observed. The best media for asymbiotic seed germination, protocorm growth and leaf development for Epidendrum radicans in order to contribute to its conservation, was obtained with Knudson C supplemented with 0.1 mg/L NAA or without growth regulators as well as with MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L NAA or without growth regulators. SEM micrographs were taken on the five different stages observed during germination and protocorm development. It is known that each orchid species need special peculiarities for their seed germination and protocorm development, and the description of its growth and development is important as well, Epidendrum radicans is not exception, its mass propagation is in urgent need, as it is an economically important orchid, with commercial demands that need mass propagation for its conservation , also due to a continuous destruction of its natural habitat, unauthorized trade, ruthless collection, many orchid species in nature are disappearing.

Full Text: PDF