Abstract
Asymbiotic germination is considered an efficient and viable technique that can increase germination rates. The effect of type and concentration of disinfestants, and the exposure time to disinfestants may differ according to the plant species. Therefore, species-specific standardization of disinfestation agent and procedure is necessary to achieve optimal germination rates. The objective of this study was to determine a disinfestation methodology to increase in vitro germination rates and the early development of seedlings of Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium phalaenopsis, using different times for seed disinfestation and different culture media. Seeds were disinfected by soaking in a 0.8% sodium hypochlorite solution for 5 or 15 min under aseptic conditions, after which seed suspensions were either washed with water or left unwashed. Next, they were seeded in culture flasks containing four different culture media (MS, ½MS, K, and VW). The flasks were then transferred to a growth room under controlled photoperiod and temperature, where they remained under an irradiance of 20 μmol m-2 s-1. Germination rates of the species were evaluated 45 days after placement in the culture flasks. A higher germination rate was observed when the seeds were triple washed, regardless of the culture medium or soaking time. Seed soaking disinfestation for 5 min is also recommended. MS and ½MS media were the most effective culture media in promoting in vitro germination of the species under study.
Highlights
The production of flowers and ornamental plants in Brazil is worth more than R$ 7 billion per year, with an annual growth rate between 8% and 12% that generates over 200,000 direct jobs (PAIVA et al, 2016; IBRAFLOR, 2017)
Given the need to supply market demand, there is a need to improve the procedures for producing flowers and ornamental plants, including orchids (PASQUAL et al, 2008; JUNQUEIRA; PEETZ, 2014; 2017)
Significant effects were observed for disinfestation time, type of seed suspension washing and culture media, and their interaction, on germination rate (%G) of D. nobile (p
Summary
The production of flowers and ornamental plants in Brazil is worth more than R$ 7 billion per year, with an annual growth rate between 8% and 12% that generates over 200,000 direct jobs (PAIVA et al, 2016; IBRAFLOR, 2017). Orchid cultivation is an important part of this business (JUNQUEIRA; PEETZ, 2014; 2017). Imports of orchid seedlings in 2013 increased by about 20%, compared to that in 2012 (JUNQUEIRA; PEETZ 2014). The largest exporter of Dendrobium worldwide is Thailand, while Brazil is one of the main importers (LEKAWATANA, 2010). In vitro culture techniques deserve special mention among production schemes, as they are important biotechnological tools to obtain plants for both research and commercialscale production (CARDOSO, 2014)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
