Abstract
The protocorm-like body (PLB) of Oncidium hamana "elfin" was encapsulated by gelling matrix such as calcium alginate, and precultured in media with high concentrations of sucrose. The cultured PLB was desiccated on silica gel and then cooled in liquid nitrogen (LN). The effect of gelling matrices such as k-carrageenan, agar, agarose and Gelrite on the survival of PLB after desiccation and cooling in LN was investigated. In addition, the effect of ABA (abscisic acid) in preculture medium was examined on the development of the tolerance of PLB. The PLB precultured in medium with each concentration of sucrose showed a high survival rate after desiccation on silica gel. The survival rate of PLB after desiccation and cooling in LN varied depending on the kind of gelling matrices and the relatively high survival rate of PLB was obtained when agarose and calcium alginate were used as gelling matrix. Little or no effect of ABA was observed in the development of the tolerance of PLB to cooling in LN.
