<i>In-Vitro</i> Micropropagation and Acclimatization of an Endangered Native Orchid Using Organic Supplements

Abstract

In-vitro propagation is a technique that provides a vital solution for the conservation of endangered orchid species. The media used in tissue culture can be modified through the addition of inexpensive organic materials as an alternative to expensive synthetic additives. Some organic sources, such as coconut water and fruit juice, contain significant amounts of vitamins, amino acids, and organic compounds which can act as growth regulators, making these organic sources excellent additives for in-vitro cultivation. The aim of this study was to develop a protocol for in-vitro micropropagation and acclimatization of Epidendrum nocturnum using organic supplements in the growth media and various substrates at the acclimatization stage. Banana powder, coconut water, and potato dextrose were added to a basal seed sowing media and evaluated for seed germination percentage and plantlet growth. In addition, various substrates such as coconut coir, horticultural charcoal, sphagnum moss, and wood bark were evaluated for height, number of leaves, and number of shoots in the acclimatization portion of this study. The culture medium with coconut water showed a greater germination percentage (71.00% and 76.75%) compared with the control (37.50% and 45.50%) at 60 and 90 days after seed sowing, respectively. Media with organic supplements showed greater values of plant length and number of roots compared with the control. The combination of coconut coir and horticultural charcoal was shown to be more efficient than the combination of sphagnum moss, horticultural charcoal, and wood bark, as results showed greater values of plant height and number of leaves at 30, 90, and 120 days after transplantation in acclimatization of E. nocturnum.