Conserving the Critically Endangered Anacamptis coriophora L. in Türkiye through Ex Vitro Seed Germination

Abstract

Anacamptis coriophora (Orchidaceae) is a highly endangered orchid in Türkiye due to its excessive collection and the continuing deterioration of its habitat. In this study, the cultivation conditions of A. coriophora were determined. A sterile soil mixture was filled into jars and the fungal isolate (previously isolated from A. coriophora roots), Ceratobasidiaceae MG762693 was inoculated in separate glass jars, producing fungal compost when hyphae were developed. This fungal compost was then filled into pots where A. coriophora seed packs (0.001 g) were placed and subsequently moistened with sterile liquid nutrient medium. After 45 days of germination, fifty seedlings of approximately equal size were transferred directly to a natural environment and after 6 months of development the measuring of the tubers was done. The phenological process was then monitored until flowering. After 45 days, germination and developmental stages rates were determined from the seed packs in the pots inoculated with the Ceratobasidiaceae MG762693 fungal isolate and 64.3% germination and 11.75% leaf-rooted seedlings (stage 4) occurred. Plants flowered in June the following year, and the seeds ripened in July. The largest tuber in adult individuals was about 3 times the weight of first-year tubers. Each individual formed 2 or 3 tubers, thus increasing the number of tubers approximately 2.5 times in 2 years. In this study, ex vitro symbiotic seedlings were planted in the natural environment and a small population was formed in a 2-year period. The results revealed that orchids can be grown on a large scale with this method, both economically and for conservation and reintroduction.