Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 26, Oct Suppl. Issue, 2020; Page No.(46-51)

IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF RHYNCHOSTYLIS RETUSA (L.) BLUME THROUGH IMMATURE SEED CULTURE

Ankita Lal, Manu Pant, L.M.S. Palni and Anil Kumar

Abstract

Orchids, owing to the exquisite beauty of flowers, are highly valued in the cut flower trade and as potted plants. Apart from their diversity in colour, foliage and fragrance, orchids are immensely used in folk medicines as they are endowed with phytoconstituents significant in healthcare. Given to the topographical features and climatic suitability, Uttarakhand harbours several medicinally important orchids. Rhynchostylis retusa, a monopodial, epiphytic orchid native to this region, is used in the treatment of rheumatic disorders, asthma, malarial fever and blood dysentery. Due to its high commercial value but slow rate of conventional propagation coupled with loss of habitat, tissue culture technology can be effectively used as an alternative to furnish the demand. In the present study different growth additives (coconut water, yeast extract, andpeptone) and plant growth regulators (BA and NAA) and were screened for seed germination, proliferation and plantlet development. Optimum germination rate and PLB formation was recorded in full strength MS basal medium. Further PLB multiplication was best studied in MS medium supplemented with coconut water (10%) and highest number of leaves (4.33) and roots (4.33) per PLB were observed in MS medium with the combination of BAP and peptone. The plantlets so developed were successfully transplanted to field conditions.