CONSERVATION OF IMPERIL ORCHIDS: CLESIOCENTRON PALLENS (CATHCART EX LINDL.) PEARCE & CRIBB AND PHALEONOPSIS MANNII RCHB.F. THROUGH IN VITRO SEED PROPAGATIONKUNTALA N. BARUA, BONANYA BORA, SATYAM BORDOLOI AND BEBIJA LOKTONGBAMAbstract Cleisocentron pallens and Phalaenopsis mannii, two spectacular orchids of North East India having highly medicinal and ornamental values with prominent existence in APENDIX-II of CITES. The present scenario of habitat destruction, unsustainable harvesting and global climate change is affecting the distribution of orchids, which leads to rapid depletion from nature. The study deals with mass multiplication of C. pallens and P mannii through in-vitro seed propagation for future conservation strategies. In C. pallens, highest germination percentage (89.35%) of was observed in Mitra medium. The maximum number (11.2±1.75 cm) and length (4.75±0.58 cm) of shoot were observed in 1.5 mg l-1 BAP. Otherwise, medium containing 1.5 mgl-1 IBA showed highest number (7.3±1.33) with 4.67±1.71 cm length of root were recorded. MS media exhibited the best proliferation rates (88.6%) in P. mannii, although highest number (12.5 ±3.62) and (4.01±0.66) length of shoot found in Mitra medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BAP. Activated Charcoal powder plays an important role in root formation and phenolic compound exudation). Maximum (4.4±0.69) number with an average length (5.85±0.95) of root was observed in medium supplemented with 1.5mgl-1 IBA. The seedlings showed better survivality and growth increment in potting medium Brick chips: Charcoal: Sphagnum moss (1:1:2) for both the species in green house condition. Seed derived protocorm like bodies could be successfully applied for mass multiplication intended for ex situ conservation. |