Assessment of encapsulating technology and conservation of selected commercially important and endangered North Western Himalayan orchids an in vitro study

Abstract

The present investigation was aimed to study the orchids of NorthWestern Himalayas, with a view to collect and identify orchid species from the NorthWestern Himalayan region, assess the suitability of different explants for in vitro propagation and encapsulating technology, develop efficient protocols for the production of synthetic seeds, analyse suitable requirements and storage temperature for the different periods of time so as to assess post storage regeneration/conversion frequency of synthetic seeds and analyse nutritional requirements during different morphogenetic stages so as to develop efficient mass propagation protocols for the conservation of selected orchid species. For this purpose, in vitro asymbiotic seed germination and regeneration potential of different explants (leaf, root, pseudobulb, and floral bud) were tested in seven orchid species [Acampe praemorsa var. longepedunculata (Trimen) Govaerts, Coelogyne cristata Lindl., Crepidium acuminatum (D.Don) Szlach., Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw., Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume, Satyrium nepalense D.Don, and Vanda cristata Wall. ex Lindl.] representing both epiphytic and terrestrial habits. The aim has been to establish effective protocols for the mass propagation of these orchids and determine the necessary chemical stimulus for different morphogenetic changes leading to seedling/plantlet development. The efficacy of synthetic seeds (encapsulated PLBs) as a proficient storage and delivery system was also analyzed. It was possible to induce successful asymbiotic seed germination in vitro in all the presently investigated orchid species. Presently, an attempt was also successfully made to enhance the conversion rate by subjecting the synseeds to a treatment with potassium nitrate and addition of AC in alginate mixture. Further, an attempt was made to assess the effect of pretreatment of PLBs with chemicals ABA (Abscisic acid) and Mannitol for 10 days prior to encapsulation on the induction of dormancy in synseeds. newline