The effect of ethylene inhibitors (AgNO3, AVG), an ethylene-liberating compound (CEPA) and aeration on the formation of protocorm-like bodies of hybrid Cymbidium (Orchidaceae)

Abstract

Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) or thin cell layers (TCLs) derived from PLBs of hybrid Cymbidium Twilight Moon ‘Day Light’ can induce new or neo-PLBs on Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium, which contains 0.1 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid, 0.1 mg/L kinetin, 2 g/L tryptone and 20 g/L sucrose, and is solidified with 8 g/L Bacto agar. This study aimed to assess the response of neo-PLB formation to an ethylene-liberating compound (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (CEPA)), to two ethylene inhibitors (silver nitrate (AgNO3) and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG)), and to aeration (made possible by using Milliseal® or autoclaved filter paper). AgNO3 at 1 or 2 mg/L in TC medium significantly increased the fresh weight of PLBs while 1 mg/L of AgNO3 also showed a significant increase in the number of neo-PLB from both half-PLBs and from tTCLs. In contrast, AVG and CEPA inhibited neo-PLB formation. Neo-PLB formation from half-PLB or TCL explants in the presence of aeration resulted in significantly lower neo-PLB weight. The use of AgNO3 and aeration are alternative means to mass produce neo-PLBs for micropropagation purposes.