Micropropagation of terrestrial orchids, Anoectochilus sikkimensis and Anoectochilus regalis.

ABSTRACT

Two horticulturally important jewel orchids of the genus Anoectochilus were successfully micropropagated. Isolated nodes of A. sikkimensis collected from Sikkim in Eastern Himalayas and subsequently reared under nursery conditions and A. regalis collected from Western Ghats in Southern India were cultured for 12 weeks on Woody Plant Medium (WPM) to produce a maximum of 4.8 and 5.6 callus--free axillary shoots respectively at 95 and 98% efficiency. During reculture of the explants from in vitro raised shoots under the same conditions, the total number of shoots obtained from the nodes (21.4) and shoot tips (8.2) of A. regalis were significantly higher than those hardy and slow growing shoots of A. sikkimensis (12.3 and 4.3) respectively. Shoots (4-6 cm) were rooted in medium containing NAA (2.70 microM) and activated charcoal (0.2%). The rooted plants established at 95-98% rate in community pots after hardening. After 6 months, green house adapted community potted plants of A. regalis were transferred to natural forest habitat locally with 95 and 70% survival respectively after 12 months. The plants, established in community pots and native forest habitat were free from any morphological and growth defects.