title: In vitro propagation of threatened terrestrial orchid, Malaxis khasiana Soland ex. Swartz through immature seed culture.
abstract: Rapid in vitro propagation of the terrestrial orchid, M. khasiana through immature seed culture was achieved. Immature seeds of 8-9 week after pollination (WAP) cultured on MS medium (2% sucrose) supplemented with 500 mgl(-1) casein-hydrolysate and 1 microM N6-benzyladenine (BA) exhibited germination of 75% seeds after 107 days of culture and subsequently supported the development of PLBs. Subsequent culture on MS medium enriched with 6 microM of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 18 microM each of BA and kinetin induced multiple shoots and plantlets. Transfer of PLBs to MS medium with 0.1% activated charcoal (AC) facilitated rapid proliferation of PLBs, while AC at 0.2% favored shoot bud induction and rhizome enlargement. The plantlets, developed on medium with IAA, BA and kinetin, after hardening in vitro for 8-10 weeks were planted in community pots and transferred to poly-house. The plantlets showed 65% survival under field conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, Nagaland University, Headquarters, Lumami, Mokokchung, India. debchitta@rediffmail.com
authors.forename: Chitta Ranjan
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Deb
authors.lastname: Temjensangba
mesh_terms: D003470:Culture Media; D046508:Culture Techniques; D029595:Orchidaceae / Q000254:growth & development*; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000254:growth & development; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D010937:Plant Growth Regulators