<i style="">In vitro</i> micropropagation of <i style="">Geoderum purpureum</i> R.Br

Abstract

An <i style="">in vitro</i> micropropagation system was developed for <i style="">Geoderum purpureum</i>, an important terrestrial orchid, through axillary meristem culture and by manipulating cytokinin and auxin. Multiple shoots were induced from explants cultured on agar-based Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 2.0-3.0 mg/L), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 0.5-1.0 mg/L) and sucrose [3% (w/v)]. Maximum number of shoot buds was obtained with 3.0 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L IAA. The rate of shoot multiplication was maintained in subsequent subculture on similar fresh culture medium. Elongated shoots were separated and rooted on half strength basal MS medium supplemented with IAA or IBA and 2% (w/v) sucrose. Maximum percentage of rooting was obtained on medium having 0.5 mg/L IAA. Plantlets, thus developed were established in soil with 80% surviability.