IN VITRO REGENERATION OF PHOLIDOTA PALLIDA LINDL. (ORCHIDACEAE)

Abstract

Orchids exhibit a wide range of diversity in forms, size, colour and texture of flowers beyond the imagination of human mind. Orchids grow in nature through seeds but in the absence of appropriate hosts, they do not germinate in adequate number. This obstacle was overcome by adapting tissue culture technique for appropriate germination of orchids. In vitro techniques have been successfully carried out for the mass propagation of orchid plantlets. Hence, a preliminary study was carried out to develop a suitable protocol for mass multiplication of Pholidota pallida. MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium was found to be suitable for the asymbiotic seed germination of Pholidota pallida. MS medium supplemented with IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid), IBA (Indole-3butyric acid), BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) and KIN (Kinetin) individually and in combinations induced direct protocorm like bodies. Hormone-free MS basal medium was found suitable for the conversion of PLBs (protocorm-like bodies) into complete plantlets