Effects of different culture media on seed germination and subsequent <i style="">in vitro</i> development of protocorms<i> </i>of<i> Hygrochilus parishii </i>(Veith &<i> </i>Rchb.f.) Pfitz (Orchidaceae)

Abstract

Seeds of<i> Hygrochilus parishii</i> (Veith & Rchb.f.) Pfitz<i> </i>were inoculated on eight different culture media (basal) MS, MKC, V&W, I&Y and half strength of respective media. Seeds germinated within 15-20 d almost on all media with varying percentage and developed into greenish protocorm after 80-100 d. Best seed germination was observed in ½ strength MKC medium. Healthy protocorms were observed within 100 d in V&W media. Sub-cultured protocorms in all the above media supplemented with NAA, BAP, 2,4-D and IAA in a range of 0.5-2.0 mg L^-1, both individually and in combination, and additives like banana pulp (BP, 10%) and coconut milk (CM, 15%) produced well developed callus. Multiplication of protocorms was best on ½ strength MS + NAA (2.0 mg L^-1). Formation of root and leaf was early in V&W medium having CM (15%) and BP (10%) but without sucrose.