Conservation trial ofAnacamptis pyramidalisthrough vegetative propagation combining the effect of medium conditions and bulb state

Abstract

Pyramidal orchid [Anacamptis pyramidalis (L.) Rich.] is a wild terrestrial orchid found widely in the Mediterranean zone. In Lebanon, random collection and the absence of a conservation strategy have subjected it to the risk of extinction, which stimulated a propagation trial in 2014 and 2015 as an initiative for a future conservation strategy. Orchid bulbs were transplanted from the wild into four substrates (pine bark, pine bark-peat (1/1), peat-sand (1/1) and soil from the collection site as a control), The effect of mycorrhizal application (MY:Yes) was tested in the different substrates except in the control, and orchid bulbs (son bulb SB and mother bulb MB) were planted combined (SB+MB) or after separation of the mother bulb (SB). The same treatments were repeated over two consecutive years. Results showed an earlier emergence of son bulbs (SB) grown in control substrate. Moreover, there was a significant difference in plant growth, with superiority for SB compared with SB+MB regarding plant length and elongation of first leaf. Mycorrhizal application enhanced the overall growth of plants, and its effect was most evident in the substrate peat-sand (1/1). In general, the best growth of the orchid was observed in the combination SB/MY:Yes/peat-sand (1/1). Results of the second experimental year confirmed those of the first year, with an improvement of the rate of emergence by 13%.