Abstract
Orchids (Orchidaceae) are plants that are highly appreciated by their beautiful flowers worldwide. Moreover, they represent a source of metabolites with applications in medicine and biotechnology. Within the Orchidaceae family, the Laelia genus is a group of orchid species from the Neotropics and is probably one of the most representative genera of America. Laelia orchids are cultivated by their splendid flowers and are widely used in orchid breeding. Here, we revise the use of the Laelia genus in orchid breeding and metabolite bioprospecting. We also analyze the use of plant tissue culture (PTC) as an alternative to conventional propagation and as a strategy for the recovery of those Laelia species threatened with extinction. We summarize and discuss the recent advances in the application of different PTC techniques for mass multiplication based on asymbiotic germination, organogenesis, protocorm-like bodies development, and somatic embryogenesis, and the advances of in vitro conservation by cryoconservation and the use of slow-growth promoting hormones. Finally, we suggest future directions and venues in research for Laelia species.
Highlights
Orchidaceae is the second largest family of flowering plants and is one of the biggest families in the Monocotyledoneae class
Knudson C (KC) medium has been evaluated for L. albida, L. anceps, and L. purpurata [22,50,57], while Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium has been found adequate for L. autumnalis, L. marginata, L. rubescens, and L. tenebrosa [18,58,62,69]
Contrary to what was thought considering the ornamental value of Laelia spp., plant tissue culture (PTC)
Summary
Orchidaceae is the second largest family of flowering plants and is one of the biggest families in the Monocotyledoneae class. To size the economic value of orchids, from 1996 to 2015, the legal global trade was calculated at more than 1.1 billion of artificially propagated live plants [5]. Along with this formal world trade, orchids that are sold in local markets, usually smuggled, should be considered. We summarize and discuss research data of plant tissue culture (PTC) applied to this small genus within the Orchidaceae family, which is highly valued in local markets for an ancestral ritual use and is one of the most appreciated in the horticultural industry. We highlight future directions, opportunities, and challenges of research for the Laelia species
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
