Propagation of cymbidium ebureum in vitro by immature seed culture

Orchids represent one of the largest families of angiosperms with innumerable hybrids and varieties producing flowers with high floricultural appeal. Cymbidium eburneum is one of most demanding orchids in international floricultural market because of their highly attractive large showy white flowers with sweet fragrance. However because of extensive exploitation of this orchid for personal gain through illegal collections and deforestation, the population is fast receding from its natural habitat. Proper conservation strategies should be adopted to protect this beautiful plant from extinction. The present study was conducted to establish an efficient regeneration protocol for this important orchid by culturing the immature seeds obtained from green capsules in Mitra and MS medium supplemented with varied combinations of different plant growth hormones. Seed germination was successfully observed in both the culture media incorporated with activated charcoal (AC) in the absence of any growth hormones. Highest seed germination was recorded in NAA supplemented Mitra medium while excellent root proliferation was also found in the same combination when AC wasadded. When BAP was present in association with IBA in both the culture media, germination of seed was very poor with culture growth not observed beyond protocorm stage. However addition of AC alleviated the above problem and seedlings were successfully developed. Maximum leaf formation was found in BAP supplemented media with AC. The seedlings generated were successfully established in the green house after proper hardening. The in vitro protocol so developed from the present study can be utilized for regeneration of this Cymbidium orchid for commercial and conservational purposes.