Tree Fern Fiber Research Articles

Cultivo de Tillandsia geminiflora Brongn. em diferentes substratos

Tillandsia geminiflora is little grown in Brazil, but has good potential for exportation. Tree fern fiber was used in mixtures for bromeliad cultivation until the prohibition of this practice. The replacement of tree fern by other materials with similar properties has been researched. Thus, and the aim of this study was to compare the development of T. geminiflora grown in media with different vegetal components (tree fern, coconut husk and pinus bark). Plant development was evaluated for about two years. Pure coconut bark husk gave the best results.

Symbiotic propagation of seedlings of Cyrtopodium glutiniferum Raddi (Orchidaceae)

In nature, orchid seeds obtain the nutrients necessary for germination by degrading intracellular fungal structures formed after colonization of the embryo by mycorrhizal fungi. Protocols for asymbiotic germination of orchid seeds typically use media with high concentrations of soluble carbohydrate and minerals. However, when reintroduced into the field, seedlings obtained via asymbiotic germination have lower survival rates than do seedlings obtained via symbiotic germination. Tree fern fiber, the ideal substrate for orchid seedling acclimatization, is increasingly scarce. Here, we evaluated seed germination and protocorm development of Cyrtopodium glutiniferum Raddi cultivated in asymbiotic media (Knudson C and Murashige & Skoog) and in oatmeal agar (OA) medium inoculated with the mycorrhizal fungus Epulorhiza sp., using non-inoculated OA medium as a control. We also evaluated the performance of tree fern fiber, pine bark, eucalyptus bark, corncob and sawdust as substrates for the acclimatization of symbiotically propagated plants. We determined germination percentages, protocorm development and growth indices at 35 and 70 days of cultivation. Relative growth rates and the effects of substrates on mycorrhizal formation were calculated after 165 days of cultivation. Germination efficiency and growth indices were best when inoculated OA medium was used. Corncob and pine bark showed the highest percentages of colonized system roots. The OA medium inoculated with Epulorhiza sp. shows potential for C. glutiniferum seedling production. Corncob and pine bark are promising substitutes for tree fern fiber as substrates for the acclimatization of orchid seedlings.

Agricultural waste materials as component of organic potting media for the endangered Nepenthes truncata Macf. (Philippine pitcher plant)

Agricultural waste materials, namely, coconut fiber (CF), coir dust (CD), and charcoaled rice husk (CRH) taken singly or in combination with commonly used organic substrates wood charcoal chips (WCC), chopped tree fern (CTF), sphagnum moss (SM), and osmunda fiber (OF) were characterized for their suitability as components of mixed potting media for Nepenthes truncata (Macf.) plantlets. Several mixed media were evaluated, each with a component for aeration (WCC, CTF, or CRH), moisture retention (CF, CD or SM), and drainage (OF). Conventionally used container media mixes served as controls. Based on survival and leaf condition of plantlets, CD could replace SM, and both were superior to CF in moisture retention, while CRH was superior to wood charcoal chips and tree fern for aeration. Both CD and CRH are locally available and inexpensive compared to the materials they could replace. Small-sized plantlets performed better in Treatment 6 (T6) (2:1:1 mixture of SM, OF, and CRH) and Control 1 (pure SM) while medium-sized plantlets only preferred T6. Physico-chemical properties of T6 suggest that the appropriate medium for N. truncata plantlets is slightly acidic with low electrical conductivity, high porosity, moderate water holding capacity, and moderate water retention efficiency.

Desenvolvimento vegetativo de híbrido de orquídea em diferentes substratos

For commercial production of orchids, it is essential to use a good substrate, and the selection of this material is very important to evaluate aspects of the economic, physical, chemical, biological, and ecological points of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of clones of BLC Nan Chang Silk ‘Olimpic Torch’ on different substrates. The substrates were: T1: tree fern fiber “xaxim” (control), T2: coconut fiber, T3: composted pine bark, T4: plant coal, T5: composted pine bark + coconut fiber (1:1 v/v) T6: coconut fiber + plant coal (1:1 v/v), T7: plant coal + composted pine bark (1:1 v/v), T8: plant coal + composted pine bark + coconut fiber ( 1:1:1 v/v/v). The seedlings were grown in pots of polypropylene, kept in a nursery with 80% of brightness. We evaluated 24 months after the start of the experiment: number of pseudobulbs, the lenght of pseudobulbs, height of the plant area, height of the aerial part / lenght of the pseudobulbs and pH and electrical conductivity of the substrate. Based on the parameters of vegetative development it was concluded that all the evaluated substrates can be efficiently used for the cultivation of BLC Nan Chang Silk ‘Olimpic Torch’.

Semente de amendoeira (Terminalia catappa L.) (Combretaceae) como substrato para o cultivo de orquídeas epífitas

The use of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) seeds as a substrate for growing orchids of the species Oncidium flexuosum Sims, Dendrobium nobile Lindl. and Brassavola tuberculata Hook was compared to the tree fern fiber Dicksonia sellowiana Hook, largely used for that purpose. This species is endangered and its exploitation is prohibited by law. After twelve months, the following parameters were evaluated: aerial part height, pseudo bulb diameter, number of pseudo bulbs and pH of substrate. There was no significant interaction between substrates and species for the evaluated parameters. The orchids developed on T. catappa substrate and tree fern fiber showed similar aerial parts, diameter and number of pseudo bulbs. T. catappa substrate showed a low rate of decomposition, which maintained good aeration capacity, root development and pH values close to that found on tree fern fiber. T. catappa used as a substrate is viable as a substitute for tree fern fiber in the cultivation of these orchid species.

CONTAINER OPACITY AND MEDIA COMPONENTS INFLUENCE ROOTING OF POTTED PHALAENOPSIS AND DORITAENOPSIS ORCHIDS

CONTAINER OPACITY AND MEDIA COMPONENTS INFLUENCE ROOTING OF POTTED PHALAENOPSIS AND DORITAENOPSIS ORCHIDS

Fibra de coco e adubação foliar no crescimento e na nutrição de Cryptanthus sinuosus

Plantas de Cryptanthus sinuosus foram cultivadas em três substratos (mesocarpo de coco - MC; mesocarpo de coco lavado - MCL e xaxim-X), visando comparar o efeito da fibra de coco verde, como substrato, àquele da fibra de xaxim sobre o crescimento e teores de nutrientes das plantas, sob três níveis de adubação foliar: 50, 100 e 150% de solução contendo 210 mg L-1 de N, 31 mg L-1 de P e 234 mg L-1 de K. O experimento constou de um fatorial em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e três plantas por parcela, uma planta por vaso e conduzido em casa de vegetação. O número de folhas, diâmetro da roseta, massa da matéria seca (MS) de folhas e raízes e teores de nutrientes foram avaliados. As plantas cultivadas em X apresentaram valores de MS de folhas e de raízes mais altos que aquelas em MC, mas não diferiram estatisticamente daqueles observados nas plantas em MCL. As plantas cultivadas em MC e MCL apresentaram características semelhantes indicando que a alta condutividade elétrica encontrada no substrato MC não prejudicou o acúmulo de matéria seca. As plantas cultivadas em MC e MCL apresentaram menores teores foliares de N, P, S que as cultivadas em X, porém com coloração e arquitetura foliares mais atrativas. Os diferentes níveis de adubação utilizados não tiveram efeito diferenciado sobre as características de crescimento, nem sobre os teores de nutrientes nas plantas.

Cultivo de <em>Cattleya</em> Lindley (Orchidaceae) em substratos alternativos ao xaxim

The objective of this study was to evaluate alternative substrates to substitute tree fern fiber for cultivation of hybrids from the Cattleya species. Seedlings were cultivated in polypropylene vases, kept in screen shadowed nursery by a 70% of lighting. The following substrates were evaluated: tree fern fibers; coconut fiber; pinus bark+carbonized rice hull (1:1 v/v); pinus bark+carbonized rice hull (2:1 v/v); pinus bark+carbonized rice hull (1:2 v/v); pinus bark and carbonized rice hull. One year after the experiment, the following parameters were evaluated: fresh matter mass, aerial part height, pseudobulb length, greater root length, number of buds, number of flowers, pH and electric conductivity. The substrate composed of coconut fiber showed better results, and can be used as the alternative substrate to tree fern fiber in the cultivation of Cattleya.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FOR IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF BRAZILIAN ORCHIDS

This research focused on the effects of activated charcoal on the in vitro growing media used in the propagation of Brazilian native orchids. Activated charcoal has been described improving the in vitro plant growing and survival after transplant. Seeds were germinated in vitro and after three months they were transferred to one of the following media: MS (Murashige and Skoog) media; half strength of MS media; MS media supplemented with 1 g.L of activated charcoal; half strength of MS media supplemented with 1 g.L of activated charcoal; MS media supplemented with 2 g.L of activated charcoal; half strength of MS media supplemented with 2 g.L of activated charcoal. After six months the following features were evaluated, plantlet height, number of branches per plant, number of roots per plant, length of the roots, fresh weight and O. trulliferum was also evaluated concerning with the pseudobulb diameter. Just after the in vitro plant features evaluation they were transferred to pots containing the tree fern fiber and sphagnum. Two months after transplant the survival rate was evaluated for each treatment. Activated charcoal improved the in vitro plant quality and increased the survival after transplant of the three species evaluated. To M. flavescens and L. flava best results were obtained with half strength of MS media supplemented with 2 g.L of activated charcoal and O. trulliferum with MS media supplemented with 1 g.L of activated charcoal. INTRODUCTION Orchids are one of the most valuable and appreciated plants in the world. Due to its commercial value and beauty, orchids are very cultivated. Several species are in risk of extinction due to its predatory collection and destruction of its habitat. To preserve orchids using tissue culture technique is an option to produce orchids in large scale (Silva, 1986). An adequate formulation of the nutrition media is essential to tissue culture, because media must supply the essential substances for in vitro growth development (Caldas et al., 1990). Addition of activated charcoal on tissue culture media can be beneficial or adverse to growth and development. Its presence depends on the media, the specie and the tissue used and/or the objectives of the research (Pan and Staden, 1998). Activated charcoal as supplement on the media has been reported through the years by several authors due to its beneficial effects, such as, absorption of phenolic complex (Pan and Staden, 1998); root stimulator (George and Havishankar, 1997; Caldas et al., 1990); rhizome growth (Kim and Lee, 1992); development improvement (Choi and Chung, 1989); and absorption of toxic substances present in the media (Fridborg and Eriksson, 1978). Waes (1987) used activated charcoal for in vitro development of 18 species of European native orchids with concentrations from 0,02 % to 0,03 % (g.L) to improve in vitro development. The MS media contains nitrogen in ammonium and nitrate forms. Vitrification is frequent observed affecting plantlets development. Reduction of nitrogen concentration on ammonium has been used to reduce vitrification (Caldas et al., 1990). Reduction of MS media to half strength for in vitro orchid has been showed positive to reduce Proc. V IS on New Flor. Crops Eds.: A.F.C. Tombolato and G.M. Dias-Tagliacozzo Acta Hort. 683, ISHS 2005

Utilização de substratos à base de coco no cultivo de <em>Dendrobium nobile</em> Lindl. (Orchidaceae)

Use of coconut based substrates in Dendrobium nobile Lindl. (Orchidaceae) culture. The objective of this study was evaluate the efficiency of coconut- based substrates in the cultivation of Dendrobium nobile. Seedlings were cultivated in polypropylene vases, kept in screen shadowed nursery by a 50% of lighting. The substrates used were: defibered tree fern (control), defibered coconut, powdered coconut and cubed coconut (coxim). The variables were assessed eight months later were: plant height, pseudobulb diameter, sprout number, root dry weight, biggest root length and substrates pH. The experiment was completely randomized, with seven treatments and ten replicates. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, complemented by the Tukey test at 5%. The results show that the substrates defibered coconut and powdered coconut + cubed coconut may be used in Dendrobium nobile Lindl. culture, preserving thus the samabaiacu (Dicksonia sellowiana Hook.), from which the tree fern fiber (xaxim) is extracted.

Aclimatização de um híbrido de <em>Cattleya</em> em substratos de origem vegetal sob dois sistemas de irrigação

The greatest difficulty in the process of propagation through orchid tissue culture lies on the acclimatization phase. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different vegetal substrates under two irrigation systems, during the acclimatization phase of the Cattleya chocolate drop x (Cattleya guttatax Laelia tenebrosa). Orchid seedlings in vitro cultivated were transplanted to the following substrates (treatments): S1: coconut powder; S2: coconut fiber; S3: defibered xaxim (tree fern fiber) and S4: sphagnum. Next, they were acclimatized in two irrigation systems: IM: hand-operated and II: intermittent. The following variables were assessed ninety days after transplanting: number of roots, aerial part height, fresh weight, number of plants with shoots, pH substrate and seedling survival rate. The coconut powder substrate and intermittent irrigation system were the most indicated for the acclimatization of the Cattleya chocolate drop x (C. guttata x L. tenebrosa) orchid.

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Anthurium andraeanum hybrids

A method for the production of somatic embryos and subsequent plant regeneration for Anthurium andraeanum Linden ex André (Monocotyledonae) hybrids is described. Whole leaf blade explants, derived from plantlets grown in vitro, formed translucent embryogénic calli at their basal ends within one month of culture in the dark. Secondary somatic embryos formed frequently and without an intervening callus on surfaces of primary embryos. Embryogenesis was induced with three genotypes using a modified half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 to 4.0 mg l(-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.33 to 1.0 mg l(-1) kinetin. A combination of 2% sucrose with 1% glucose in the medium favored embryogenesis over 3% sucrose alone. Whole leaf blades on medium solidified with 0.18% Gelrite produced more somatic embryos than leaves on medium with 0.7% Bacto-agar. Within two to three months after culture initiation, embryos were transferred to modified MS medium containing 0.2 mg l(-1) 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 2% sucrose and placed in the light for conversion into plantlets. Rooted plantlets were recovered and transferred into pots with tree fern fiber medium and grown in the greenhouse.