Culture Conditions suitable for in vitro Seed Germination and Development of Seedlings in Paphiopedilum

Abstract

Suitable culture medium and light condition for each step of in vitro seed germination, growth of protocorms and subsequent development of seedlings were determined in Paphiopedilum spp. The best seed germination and best growth of protocorms were obtained on Norstog medium in darkness. However, no differentiation of leaf nor root occurred in protocorms cultured on Norstog medium regardless of light condition. Although cultures on Burgeff EG-1 medium resulted in poor seed germination, germlings developed readily into seedlings with leaves and roots if cultured in light. Duration of the dark culture on Norstog medium to yield the maximal percentage of seed germination was found six weeks and longer. Healthier protocorms were produced in the culture with longer dark period. Protocorms grown to various developmental stages on Norstog medium in darkness were transplanted onto different media in different light conditions. The best development to seedlings was obtained from the protocorms with diameter 0.5 to 1.0mm transplanted onto Burgeff EG-1 medium and cultured in light.