In vitro conservation and regeneration of Laelia anceps Lindl

Abstract

Laelia anceps Lindl is an orchid endemic to Mexico that is endangered of extinction as a result of the fragmentation of its habitat and the overexploitation of its natural populations. Therefore, programs aimed at the conservation and propagation of this genetic resource should be implemented. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for in-vitro conservation and regeneration of L. anceps germoplasm. To establish the in-vitro conservation, this study different concentrations (¼, ½, and ¾) of MS salts (Murashige and Skoog), (0.5, 1, and 2 mg L−1) of two growth inhibitor abscisic acid (ABA) and of paclobutrazol (PBZ), and (10, 20, and 30 g L−1) the osmoregulator polyethylene glycol (PEG-8000) were evaluated. For in vitro regeneration, different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg L−1) of Thidiazuron (TDZ) and (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg L−1) of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) were evaluated. 2 mg L−1 of PBZ reduced the development and growth in vitro of L. anceps, without drastically affecting the survival of the shoot. The higher number of shoot per explant (7.28) was achieved with the addition of 2 mg L−1 of BAP to the culture medium. Finally, a 90% survival was achieved during the acclimatization process. In conclusion, our results are a possible option in the establishment of strategies for in-vitro conservation and propagation of L. anceps, and is suitable for use in the preservation and propagation of other orchid species as part of species genetic improvement.