Effects of BAP (6-Benzyl aminopurine) on bud break and plantlet regeneration from the back bulbs of Calanthe yucksomnensis S.Z. Lucksom (Orchidaceae)

Abstract

The effect of BAP (6-benzyl aminopurine) on bud break in the back bulbs of Calanthe yuksomnensis was studied. For this purpose, the back bulbs were soaked in aqueous solution of BAP (20-200 mg/l) for 24 hours. The back bulbs were packed in transparent polyethylene bags with moist sawdust and stored in dark at room temperature for 40 days. The BAP concentration 20-100 mg/l increased number of sprouted back bulbs whereas higher concentration decreased the number of sprouted bulbs. The highest number of sprouted bulbs was obtained from BAP 100 mg/l treatment and maximum shoot bud length was recorded from the back bulbs soaked in solution containing 40 mg/l BAP. These sprouted back bulbs when planted in medium containing (1:1:1) leaf mould, farm yard manurer and garden soil (v/v) unfolded their leaves and developed into complete plant.