Abstract
In vitro propagation is extremely important for the rapid multiplication of a wide range of orchids. This study aimed to investigate the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on morpho-anatomical improvements and ex vitro development of Spathoglottis plicata, a terrestrial orchid. Various concentrations of PEG (100-500 mg L−1) were incorporated with the optimized medium composition [Murashige and Skoog's medium with 2.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.25 mg L−1 indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)] to study the morpho-anatomical developments of cultures. Results showed that PEG at 300 mg L−1 in the nutrient medium had a significant effect on the development of plantlets with superior morphometric and anatomical characteristics. It improved the rate of shoot multiplication (83 shoots), shoot length (10 cm), fresh weight (4.0 g), and dry weight (1.5 g) of shoots per culture vessel than the control experiment (devoid of PEG). Light microscopic analysis revealed that PEG-derived leaves possessed improved leaf thickness, differentiation in dermal, ground, and vascular tissue systems than the leaves developed without PEG in the medium. Such shoots were responded significantly better during rooting (11.0 roots with 6.2 cm length) and acclimatization stages. Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers analysis confirmed the genetic uniformity of the regenerates with the mother plant. The improvements in morpho-anatomical structures of in vitro raised plantlets due to PEG-induced mild drought stress in ground orchid S. plicata could be a useful tool for its large-scale production and survival success in the field.
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.
