Photosynthetic characteristics of Cymbidium plantlet in vitro

Abstract

The photosynthetic characteristics of the Cymbidium plantlet in vitro cultured on Hyponex-agar medium with 2% sucrose were determined based on the measurements of CO2 concentration inside and outside of the culture vessels. The CO2 measurements were made with a gas chromatograph at a PPF (photosynthetic photon flux) of 35, 102 and 226 μmol m-2 s-1, a chamber air temperature of 15, 25 and 35°C and a CO2 concentration outside the vessel of approximately 350, 1100 and 3000 ppm. The net photosynthetic rates were determined on individual plantlets and were expressed on a dry weight basis. The steady-state CO2 concentration during the photoperiod was lower inside the vessel than outside the vessel at any PPF greater than 35 μmol m-2s-1 and at any chamber air temperature. The photosynthetic response curves relating the net photosynthetic rate, PPF, and CO2 concentration in the vessel and chamber air temperature were similar to those for Cymbidium plants grown outside and other C3 plants grown outside under shade. The results indicate that CO2 enrichment for the plantlets in vitro at a relatively high PPF would promote photosynthesis and hence the growth of chlorophyllous shoots/plantlets in vitro and that the plantlets in vitro would make photoautotrophic growth under environmental conditions favorable for photosynthesis.