Orchid Seedlings Research Articles

Development of artificial lighting system for light supplementation in smart greenhouses with agrivoltaic systems

This work developed two smart greenhouses for the protected cultivation of banana and orchid seedlings. The greenhouses feature control and automation systems, bioclimatic architecture and strategies, and energy systems. A sensor network monitors indoor environmental variables, and a weather station monitors outdoor environmental variables. A computational system based on artificial intelligence is responsible for the autonomous control of the greenhouses. This article presents the development of an artificial lighting system for light supplementation in smart greenhouses. The artificial lighting system was defined from modeling and simulation in a computational tool. The proposed system was installed in two smart greenhouses in southern Brazil. The article also presents the development of methods for estimating electricity consumption based on assumptions and operational profiles of the system and the experimental measurement of the artificial lighting system performed according to the procedure described in technical standards. The article presents the energy performance of the agrivoltaic system applied to smart greenhouses. From August 2022 to July 2023, the final yield of the agrivoltaic systems of the smart greenhouses was 1418.91 kW h/kWP and 1490.68 kW h/kWP. The annual electricity consumption of the artificial lighting systems of the smart greenhouses ranges between 3290 kW h and 3825 kW h.

Ceratobasidium sp isolates from native orchid species of Western Ghats, India support enhanced growth of Phalaenopsis hybrid seedlings

Mycorrhiza-assisted cultivation of orchid seedlings has immense potential for enhanced growth and adaptability of orchids to facilitate conservation and cultivation with minimum application of nutrients and plant protection chemicals. Phalaenopsis hybrids are highly attractive and cultivated mostly as potted orchid plants and are prone to several fungal pathogens. The present study evaluates the effect of 4 orchid symbionts in combination with NPK fertilizer on the seedling growth of symbiotic seedlings of Phalaenopsis white and day-star hybrids under ex-vitro conditions. Four fungal isolates viz., Ceratobasidium_Wyd2 (MW595786; MTCC13384), Ceratobasidium_Idk (MW595787: MTCC13383), Ceratobasidium_Vs1 (OL374050; MTCC13377) and Ceratobasidium _Vs2 (OL374052: MTCC13378) grown on sterilized coir pith medium for 10 days and were transferred onto earthen pots for planting of seedlings. One-year-old seedlings used for the study possessed an average 2.70 g fresh weight. On conclusion of the experiment, after 6 months, the seedlings of day-star hybrid grown in the presence of both fungus and NPK fertilizer exhibited enhanced growth compared to either of them applied individually. The highest weight gain was supported by VS1 (12.4±1.8 g) followed by VS2 (10.7± 4.6 g) and Wyd2 (9.8±1.7 g). Those fungi also supported appreciable growth individually, giving 6.5±3.1, 6.9±2.2, and 6.5±0.8 g weight gain respectively. If the nutrient alone was applied, the weight gain was very low (2.8±0.9 g) nearly equal to control (1.8±1.8 g) without having fungi or nutrients. The mycorrhizae re-isolated from the roots of seedlings exhibiting enhanced growth were confirmed as Vs1 and Vs2 through sequencing of the ITS region. Formulation of a potting medium including Ceratobasidium species isolates VS1 and VS2 is thus possible to grow Phalaenopsis seedlings to get enhanced growth.

Symbiotic seed germination and seedling growth of mycorrhizal fungi in Paphiopedilum hirsutissimun (Lindl.Ex Hook.) Stein from China

ABSTRACT Similar to other orchid species, Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum (Lindl.ex Hook.) Stein, relies on nutrients provided by mycorrhizal fungus for seed germination and seedling development in the wild owing to a lack of endosperm in its seeds. Therefore, obtaining suitable and specialized fungi to enhance seed germination, seedling formation, and further development is considered a powerful tool for orchid seedling propagation, reintroduction, and species conservation. In this study, we investigated the diversity, abundance, and frequency of endophytic fungal strains in the root organs of P. hirsutissimum. One family and five genera of the fungi were isolated and identified through rDNA-ITS sequencing. The ability of isolated fungi to germinate in vitro from the seeds of this species was evaluated, and the development of P. hirsutissimum protocorm has been described. The findings showed that the treatments inoculated with endophytic fungal DYXY033 may successfully support the advanced developmental stage of seedlings up to stage 5. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the mycelium of this strain began to invade from either end of the seeds up to the embryo, extending rapidly from the inside to the outside. Its lengthening resulted in the bursting of the seed coat to form protocorms, which developed into seedlings. The results showed that DYXY033 has a high degree of mycobiont specificity under in vitro symbiotic seed germination conditions and is a representative mycorrhizal fungus with ecological value for the species. In summary, this strain may particularly be significant for the protection of P. hirsutissimum species that are endangered in China. In the long run, it may also contribute to global efforts in reintroducing orchid species and in realizing in situ restorations of threatened orchid populations.

The of Effects of Light and a Combination of Growth Regulators on the Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis in Orchid Rhynchostylis gigantea (LindI.) Ridl.

The squirrel-tail orchid (Rhynchostylis gigantea) belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This orchid is indigenous to Southeast Asia and is scented and arranged in a bouquet of dangling stems. Its uniqueness makes it commercially desirable. In vitro culture has been utilized for orchid proliferation for a very long time to aid in the development of orchid seedlings. However, not all orchid species react the same way. Through somatic embryogenesis without gamete fusion, in vitro culture techniques can produce new plants during the entire embryonic phase. Endogenous and exogenous hormones, as well as light, influence the success of embryogenesis. Determining the optimal environmental parameters (light, combination and concentration of growth regulators, and their interaction) for inducing somatic embryogenesis from leaf explants in R. gigantea is the purpose of the present study. The leaves of R. gigantea clone 19 were utilized as explants in this investigation, utilizing a completely random factorial design. The first factor is a combination of growth regulator types and concentrations, and the second factor is light. Explants that are alive and growing at a rapid rate indicate that the in vitro culture is successful. Light and the combination of growth regulators significantly affected the percentage of viable explants, the beginning date of callus formation, and the number of embryogenic calluses produced. The interaction of two components (light and a combination of growth regulators) did not affect the three characteristics, with the exception of the proportion of somatic embryogenesis. Incubation in the dark is the optimal environment for initiating somatic embryogenesis in explants. The optimal combination of plant growth regulators for inducing somatic embryogenesis was 0.5 mgL-1 TDZ and 0.1 mgL-1 BAP. Bright light and a concentration of 1.0 mgL-1 TDZ + 0.1 mgL-1 BAP were the optimal interaction conditions for the induction of somatic embryogenesis in R. gigantea.

Growth-promoting microorganisms in the development of orchid seedlings of Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, and Dendrobium genera

The demand for sustainable agricultural production systems is increasing, and using growth-promoting microorganisms in plants has stood out because it decreases or even replaces chemical fertilizer use, reducing production costs. This study aimed to evaluate the response of some microorganisms applied to the seedlings of primary orchids cultivated in Brazil (Phalaenopsis sp. 'Taisuco Swan', Cymbidium atropurpureum, and Dendrobium secundum). The experimental design was completely randomized. There were seven treatments (absence of microorganisms – control, Trichoderma sp. in sodium alginate, Trichoderma sp. in clay, Trichoderma sp. in sodium alginate and clay, Trichoderma sp. in a liquid medium, Azospirillum brasilense + Bacillus subtilis in a liquid medium, and Bacillus pumilus in a liquid medium), four replications, and three plants per plot. The seedlings were grown in a greenhouse and evaluated 190 days after microorganism inoculation. The evaluation of morpho-physiological characteristics differed according to the particularities of each genus. The Bacillus pumilus and Azospirillum brasilense + Bacillus subtilis rhizobacteria in a liquid medium for Phalaenopsis sp. 'Taisuco Swan' and the Trichoderma sp. fungus in a liquid medium for Cymbidium atropurpureum increased seedling growth and development. Azospirillum brasilense + Bacillus subtilis in a liquid medium for the Dendrobium secundum orchid promoted more root biomass. Using beneficial microorganisms in orchid cultivation is promising, and seedling growth and development depend on their inoculation and the morpho-physiological characteristics of each plant.

Micropropagation of Bulbophyllum Orchids

Abstract— Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae) is recognized as the largest genus of orchids in the world. Bulbophyllum is a popular orchid by its unique flowers and its benefits. Although Bulbophyllum is a large genus, research on in vitro propagation of orchids from this genus is still limited. This article aims to examine the micropropagation of several Bulbophyllum species to determine the affecting factor for the propagation of Bulbophyllum orchids. A systematic Literature Review (SLR) uses in this paper. The micropropagation of Bulbophyllum have studied in B.auricomum, B. fascinator, B. macrantum, B. phalaenopsis, B. lasianthum B. odoratissimum B. niphondii, B. dhaninivatii, B. lilacinum, B. echinolabium, B. putidum and B. plumatum. The use of appropriate media can increase the growth of orchids. The addition of growth regulators and/or organic compounds to a suitable basal medium can be a way to find a suitable medium for orchid growth. Acclimatization should be conducted on plantlets with healthy roots. The appropriate acclimatization media can increase the survival rate of orchid seedlings.

The Uses of Rhizoctonia Mycorrhizae As a Dry Resistance Induction of Dendrobium aggregatum Seedlings

Orchids are cultivated by tissue culture because their seeds do not have food reserves (endosperm) for their growth. All nutrient requirements are obtained from tissue culture media. Propagation by tissue culture causes them to have no association with Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae, which are needed in their growth so that they can interfere with orchid growth both vegetatively and generatively. Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae are a group of Rhizoctonia sp. which form a mutual symbiotic association with orchids. Each orchid has a different association with Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae. At the time of association with orchids, Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae will form a peloton structure in the orchid root cortex, which supplies several nutrients needed by orchids from their environment during drought. Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae inoculation has been carried out on orchid seedlings of the same species orchids in vitro. However, Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae inoculation has never been carried out on seedlings of different species of orchid using a simpler spraying method. The success of simpler Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae inoculation on Dendrobium aggregatum seedlings might provide an understanding of the increased resistance of orchids to water stress. The materials used were isolates of Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae isolated from the roots of Dendrobium lasiantera and seedlings of Dendrobium aggregatum aged 6 months. The seedlings consisted of two groups. The former included seedlings exposed to Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae (M1) and watering with the intervals of 1, 2, and 3 days and those treated without Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae (M0) but with watering at the same intervals. The experiment used RCBD with 14 replications. Meanwhile, the control group was not exposed to both Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae and watering. The results showed that Rhizoctonia mycorrhizae inoculation had a significant effect on seedling height, leaf length, number of roots, and fresh weight of seedlings. Meanwhile, the watering interval did not give a real effect.

Acclimatisation of orchids using plant growth-promoting bacteria and humic acids

ABSTRACT Acclimatisation of orchid seedlings propagated in vitro is a slow process that can be accelerated with the use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms and humic substances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plant’s response to inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria and humic acids, as well as to their combined use, during the period of acclimatisation of Cymbidium sp. orchids. The treatments were control; application of humic acids; inoculation with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; inoculation with Burkholderia cepacia; inoculation with S. maltophilia and B. cepacia; inoculation with S. maltophilia combined with application of humic acids; inoculation with B. cepacia combined with application of humic acids; inoculation with S. maltophilia and B. cepacia combined with application of humic acids. A total of 150 days after acclimatisation, the plants were biometrically and nutritionally evaluated. Inoculation with the bacterial strains separately promoted seedlings with greater N content; however, only inoculation with S. maltophilia, resulted in plants with more total dry matter in relation to the control. There was no response from application of humic acids in an isolated manner or in combination with the bacterial strains. The results indicate the biotechnological potential of the bacteria S. maltophilia in promoting the growth of the Cymbidium sp. orchid.

Effects of hormone and fertilizers on early flower induction of Dendrobium anosmum hybrid seedlings under ex vitro condition

Early flowering of new orchids is important to save time for selecting valuable flowers and artificial induction of flowering is a critical consideration in the orchid production industry. In this study, a new Dendrobium anosmum hybrid was generated by cross-breeding between D. anosmum ‘Chau Nhu’ and D. anosmum ‘Di Linh’. The ancestors and hybrid seedlings from in-vitro culture were trained in the net house and their growth and flowering were evaluated under ex vivo conditions with specific fertilizers and hormones. The results suggest that the hybrid plants grew better than their parents in terms of stem height, stem diameter, and leaf number. Growth hormones were applied to stimulate early flowering in matured hybrids and it was discovered that ‘Keiki pro’, a commercial hormone product, produced the best results, with a flowering rate of 66.67% after two applications. Hybrid flowers varied in width from 36.36% (3.0-6.0 cm) to 63.64 % (more than 6.0 cm) from ancestral width in medium-sized and large-sized flowers, respectively. Also, the hybrid flower colours was mostly a combination of pink/violet (75C) and purple/pink (68A), which is different from their parents. Importantly, the dorsal sepal, petal colours, and shape of hybrid flowers varied significantly among individual hybrids, between hybrids and their progenitors. Some mutations in the lips and columns of the novel hybrid flowers were also visualized. Hence, the D. anosmum hybrid seedlings successfully induced flowers after a year of culture under optimal hormones and fertilizers conditions. The results can serve as a critical reference for the early flowering of the orchid seedlings.

<i>In Vitro</i> Culture of <i>Phalaenopsis amabilis</i> (L.) Blume Orchid for Seedling Production with Banana Extract Supplementation and Light Treatment for <i>Ex Situ</i> Conservation

In vitro culture is one of the effective cultivation methods for seedling production of orchids that can be used as a powerful tool in the conversation of orchids. The aims of the present study were to (i) investigate the effects of the addition of banana extract (0 g/l, 100 g/l, and 150 g/l) on media (NP media), in two different light regimes (light and dark conditions) on the growth of plantlets of an epiphytic orchid Phalaenopsis amabilis in in vitro culture. Methods used included (i) subculturing orchid seedlings in treatments media, (ii) measuring leaves and roots chlorophyll content and growth parameters, (iii) anatomical preparation of leaves and roots of the seedlings. The results showed that the best condition for getting greater seedlings of P. amabilis plantlets is in media with an addition of 100 g/L banana extract in light condition. The highest amount of chlorophyll in the P. amabilis leaves was found in medium with the addition of 100 g/L banana extract medium in light conditions. The thickness of mesophyll and the largest root diameter of P. amabilis seedlings were also found in media with the addition of 100 g/L banana extract medium in light condition. In conclusion, the addition of 100gr/L banana extract into basic culture medium will be beneficial for seedlings production of P. amabilis with great appearance, for ex situ orchid conservation programs.

The Effect of Chitosan Concentration on Growth Dendrobium sonia’s Orchid

Dendrobium orchid is an ornamental plant that has high economic value. The beauty of orchids is considered unique because it has the shape and characteristics of each so much in demand by the public. Based on market analysis the community's interest was dominated by Dendrobium orchid types . The percentage of Desndrobium orchid enthusiasts reached 34% and is the highest percentage compared to other orchid types . The availability of orchid seedlings in Indonesia is still being disrupted. In vitro techniques become breeding techniques that are often used in orchid propagation. Acclimatization is one of the important things in the in vitro technique . Differences in environmental conditions at the acclimatization stage can cause plantlets to over-transpire and interfere with nutrient absorption. Chitosan as a natural organic material is a simple derivative of chitin that can function as a biofertilizer and bioimmuner.Each unit of experiment was repeated 5 times. The parameters observed were leaf width (cm), leaf length (cm), root length (cm), and number of roots. The data obtained were analyzed using the analysis of varians. The results are shown in the study have demonstrated the effect of administration of chitosan on plant orchid Dendrobium sonia at the acclimatization stage.Treatment with a concentration of 3 ppm has a significant effect in increasing plant growth parameters.

Effects of a Dark Septate Fungal Endophyte on the Growth and Physiological Response of Seedlings to Drought in an Epiphytic Orchid.

Dark septate endophytes (DSE) are a group of facultative biotrophic root-colonizing fungi that live within a plant for a part of their life cycle without causing any apparent, overt negative effects. These fungi have been found in >600 different plant species, including orchids. Although the precise ecological functions of dark septate fungal endophytes are not yet well understood, there is increasing evidence that they enhance host growth and nutrient acquisition, and improve the plant’s ability to tolerate biotic and abiotic stresses. In this research, we tested the effects of a DSE isolated from the roots of the epiphytic orchid Coelogyne viscosa on the growth and drought tolerance of orchid seedlings. Our results showed that addition of DSE inoculum significantly enhanced biomass of seedlings and increased the activities of drought resistance related enzymes and the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances. These results suggest that DSE can fulfill important ecological functions in stressful environments and potentially play an important role in the life cycle of epiphytic orchids.

Addition of fungal inoculum increases germination of orchid seeds in restored grasslands

Grasslands restored on arable land often retain high residual nutrients, modified soil biota, and lower plant species diversity. Establishment of rare plant species with complex multitrophic interactions, typical of undisturbed nutrient-poor environments, may be hindered by the absence of interacting organisms. We hypothesised that the addition of a mycorrhizal symbiont improves the seed germination of orchids that crucially depend on fungi. We focused on grasslands restored on arable land 1–15 years ago featuring residual mineral nutrients and low organic matter contents compared to semi-natural grasslands and on four orchid species differing in the level of mycorrhizal specificity: high – Anacamptis pyramidalis and Orchis mascula – and low – Platanthera bifolia and Gymnadenia conopsea. Five fungal isolates obtained from non-green underground mycorrhizal orchid seedlings (protocorms) or adults' roots were tested for orchid-fungus compatibility under conditions in vitro. Orchid seeds inserted in retrievable seed packets were subsequently co-introduced with selected fungal isolates grown either on agar or sterilized hay into the soil of nine restored grasslands and incubated for twelve months. The identity of mycorrhizal fungi in retrieved protocorms was verified by molecular methods. The isolates that supported protocorm establishment in vitro enabled also protocorm formation in situ, but success rates differed among orchid species. While mycorrhizal specialists produced most protocorms after inoculation, the mycorrhizal generalists took advantage of naturally occurring fungi and produced some protocorms both in inoculated and uninoculated treatments. We showed that the addition of mycorrhizal fungi enhanced protocorm formation regardless of the modified soil environment, especially in mycorrhizal specialist orchids. This method may help to restore populations of native orchid species in their former distribution ranges, including farming-altered habitats.

The Effect of Planting Media Composition on the Growth of Dendrobium Sp. Orchid Seedlings

Fern is the best growing medium for orchids, because it is protected, a solution is needed to find a substitute for fern media. In this study, a combination of stem charcoal, husk charcoal and peanut shell compost was chosen. The combination of the three was chosen because the charcoal sticks and husk charcoal are relatively sterile and the peanut shell compost can function as a medium and fertilizer. The purpose of this study 1. To determine the effect of the composition of the planting medium on the growth of Dendrobium sp orchid seeds 2. To determine the best composition of the growing media for the growth of Dendrobium sp orchid seeds. The research time was 2.5 months, the object of the research was the Dendrobium sp. orchid aged 12 months, the research location was at Paranet's house, Gabahan Village, RT 05 RW 12, Jombor Sukoharjo. Simple randomized study design with 4 treatments. Treatment A Planting orchid seeds with a mixture of ferns and peanut shell compost in 10 pots. Treatment B was planting orchid seeds with a mixture of stem charcoal, husk charcoal, and peanut shell compost in a ratio of 1:1:1 for 10 pots. Treatment C was planting orchid seeds with a mixture of charcoal stems, husk charcoal and peanut shell compost in a ratio of 1/4:1/4:1/2 for 10 pots. Treatment D was planting orchid seedlings. The variables observed were the number of leaves, leaf length, leaf area, number of tillers, and wet weight measured 12 weeks after treatment. Data analysis using Varieties Test (Anova or Kruskal Wallis Test) followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) or Mood Median Test. Growth parameters were observed (leaf length, number of leaves, leaf area, and wet weight). As for the number of tillers, there was a difference in influence, although the difference was not significant. Treatment The combination of K.1/2 media or with a comparison of peanut shell compost, charcoal stems and husk charcoal 1/2:1/4:1/4 gave the best effect on the 4 observed growth parameters (Leaf Length, Leaf Number, Leaf Area). , and wet weight). From the results of this study, collectors, orchid lovers and orchid entrepreneurs can use a combination of stem charcoal, husk charcoal and peanut shell compost as a substitute for ferns with a mixture of charcoal stems, husk charcoal, and peanut shell compost in a ratio of 3/8:3/ 8:2/8.

Inorganic phosphorus nutrition in green-leaved terrestrial orchid seedlings.

Many terrestrial orchids have an obligate dependence on their mycorrhizal associations for nutrient acquisition, particularly during germination and early seedling growth. Though important in plant growth and development, phosphorus (P) nutrition studies in mixotrophic orchids have been limited to only a few orchid species and their fungal symbionts. For the first time, we demonstrate the role of a range of fungi in the acquisition and transport of inorganic P to four phylogenetically distinct green-leaved terrestrial orchid species (Diuris magnifica, Disa bracteata, Pterostylis sanguinea and Microtis media subsp. media) that naturally grow in P-impoverished soils. Mycorrhizal P uptake and transfer to orchids was determined and visualized using agar microcosms with a diffusion barrier between P source (33P orthophosphate) and orchid seedlings, allowing extramatrical hyphae to reach the source. Extramatrical hyphae of the studied orchid species were effective in capturing and transporting inorganic P into the plant. Following 7 d of exposure, between 0.5 % (D. bracteata) and 47 % (D. magnifica) of the P supplied was transported to the plants (at rates between 0.001 and 0.097 fmol h-1). This experimental approach was capable of distinguishing species based on their P-foraging efficiency, and highlighted the role that fungi play in P nutrition during early seedling development. Our study shows that orchids occurring naturally on P-impoverished soils can obtain significant amounts of inorganic P from their mycorrhizal partners, and significantly more uptake of P supplied than previously shown in other green-leaved orchids. These results provide support for differences in mycorrhiza-mediated P acquisition between orchid species and fungal symbionts in green-leaved orchids at the seedling stage. The plant-fungus combinations of this study also provide evidence for plant-mediated niche differentiation occurring, with ecological implications in P-limited systems.

Warm stratification and optimised temperatures improve conservation of the endangered orchid,

Context Maximising seed germination and seedling development is critical for conservation of endangered plants around the world. Orchidaceae is one of the most threatened plant families and can be one of the most difficult to propagate ex situ. Three critical, but potentially limiting, factors are important for orchid germination, namely, conducive conditions, ‘ready-to-germinate’ seed and effective mycorrhizal fungi. Aims Our aim was to improve poor germination in vitro of a recalcitrant Australian endangered orchid, Caladenia robinsonii, and to predict the potential impacts of climate change on this species. Methods Three experiments were conducted to optimise germination in C. robinsonii, with a focus on temperature. In Experiment 1, on the basis of meteorological data, three constant temperatures (15°C, 20°C and 27°C) were tested. In Experiment 2, the optimal constant temperature was compared with diurnally varying temperatures of 22°C/18°C (12/12 h), with and without warm stratification at 30°C/27°C (12/12 h) for 1 week. In Experiment 3, the same diurnally varying temperature and warm stratification were tested using multiple orchid mycorrhizal fungal isolates cultured from wild and re-introduced populations of C. robinsonii. Key results Without warm stratification, germination was greatest at 20°C (21%), but only 4% of seedlings developed to the green-leaf stage, whereas fungal growth was greatest at 27°C. Stratification increased germination (79%) and development to the green-leaf stage (47%), but more so with subsequent incubation under constant 20°C than diurnal 22°C/18°C. Fungal isolate affected total germination (53–69%) and development to the green-leaf stage (26–41%); isolates from the wild population were less effective than were those from re-introductions. Conclusions Warm stratification and specific seasonal temperatures significantly improved germination, both factors being typical of seeds with physiological dormancy. Implications Mimicking in situ conditions can provide a strong basis for ex situ germination strategies and predicting future outcomes. Winter–spring flowering orchid seedlings are commonly observed in autumn, and warm stratification should be considered for improving germination of similar orchid species. However, future climate warming may reduce in situ seedling recruitment.

In vitro culture of Dendrobium lineale Rolfe orchid for plant breeding and propagation

D.lineale is included in the CITES appendix II due to D. lineale has great potential as a cut flower and the parent of hybrid orchids. In vitro culture can be used for mass propagation of orchids for commercial breeding as well as conservation. Basic culture medium with the addition of organic substances can increase the growth of plantlets. The objective of this research was to determine the best condition for in vitro culture of D.lineale orchids for producing a mass number of plantlets. Methods used include planting orchid seedlings in various variations of culture media, plantlet subcultures, observation of the anatomy of leaves and roots, as well as the measurement of chlorophyll content. This research uses ‘pisang raja’ as organic material in the culture medium. The highest chlorophyll content in the leaves was 1.58 mg/g, while the highest chlorophyll content in the roots was 0.34 mg/g. Both were found in medium NP+100 g/L bananas in light conditions (1317 lux). The anatomical structure of the leaves shows that the mesophyll is thicker in plants placed under lighting 1317 lux because it shows good effectiveness in photosynthesis. The anatomy of the orchid roots showed differences in diameter in each treatment because the addition of bananas to the medium stimulated rapid and abundant root formation, but the size was smaller. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the addition of 100 gr/L bananas as organic substances in in vitro medium culture increases the growth rate of D. lineale orchids, which will be beneficial for conservation efforts.

AKLIMATISASI TIGA JENIS ANGGREK PADA MEDIA TANAM YANG BERBEDA : ACCLIMATIZATION OF THREE TYPES ORCHID ON DIFFERENT PLANTING MEDIUM

The research aims to obtain the most appropriate types of media used for acclimatization of the three types of orchids in order to increase and accelerate their growth. The research was conducted at the net house of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kutai Kartanegara University from April to June 2019. The design used in this research was a randomized completed block design (RBD), and each treatment level was repeated 3 times. As the treatment is the type of planting medium consisting of cocopeat, charcoal, fern root, roasted husk, cocopeat + charcoal, and fern root + roasted husk. The results showed that the highest plant height increase of C. pandurata, C. asperata, and Oncidium linda isler x Odorais princess yH tween star orchids were successively obtained when the seedlings were planted in cocopeat + charcoal media (3.30 cm), cocopeat (2.37 cm), as well as cocopeat and fern roots (2.45 cm). The percentage of live orchid seedlings grown in cocopeat and cocopeat + charcoal media was 88.89%, much higher than the other four growing media. Orchid species C. pandurata had the highest percentage of survival (72.22%) compared to orchids C. asperata (55.56%) and Oncidium linda isler x Odorais princess yH tween star (50.00%). Cocopeat, either alone or in combination with charcoal, is the best acclimatization medium for C. pandurata, C. asperata, and Oncidium linda isler x Odorais princess yH tween star orchids. Keywords: cocopeat, Coelogyn asperata, Coelogyn asperata, orchid seedling growth

Orchid Reintroduction Based on Seed Germination-Promoting Mycorrhizal Fungi Derived From Protocorms or Seedlings.

Orchids are among the most endangered in the plant kingdom. Lack of endosperm in their seeds renders orchids to depend on nutrients provided by orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) for seed germination and seedling formation in the wild. OMF that parasitize in germination seeds is an essential element for orchid seedling formation, which can also help orchid reintroduction. Considering the limitations of the previous orchid reintroduction technology based on seed germination-promoting OMF (sgOMF) sourced from orchid roots, an innovative approach is proposed here in which orchid seeds are directly co-sown with sgOMF carrying ecological specificity from protocorms/seedlings. Based on this principle, an integrative and practical procedure concerning related ecological factors is further raised for re-constructing long-term and self-sustained orchid populations. We believe that this new approach will benefit the reintroduction of endangered orchids in nature.

Intelligent Control System to Irrigate Orchids Based on Visual Recognition and 3D Positioning

This work develops a novel automatic irrigation system to implement the customized and accurate watering for an individual seedling. The system integrates the modules of visual recognition of the stem-leaf junction, identification of the stem-root junction as the watering point, and control of the spraying nozzle. The model of YOLOv3 is employed to screen the stem-leave junction of an orchid seedling, whose depth map then acquired by the method of Semi-Global Block Matching (SGBM) extracts the three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of the junction center. Next, the concept of leaf vector is introduced to identify the stem-root junction of the orchid seedling as the accurate watering point, which the spraying nozzle is controlled to reach for supplement of the specific amount of water. A number of experiments were conducted to verify the proposed irrigation system for orchid seedlings at different locations with various heights. The experimental results show that the rates of successful watering are 82% and 83.3% for the uni-pot and multi-pot orchid seedlings, respectively.