Characterization and Micropropagation of Some Orchid Species

Four epiphytic orchids viz., Dendrobium aphyllum, Vanda roxburghii, Rhynchostylis retusa, Luisia teretifolia collected from four places (Khulna, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet and Mymensingh) showed significant variation in different morphological and reproductive characters. The seeds of different species upon culture on to growth regulator free media were able to germinate asymbiotically and subsequent development into plantlet. Mature explants such as shoot tips, axilliary buds, leaf segments, flower stalk segments and root tips were also cultured in various types of culture media formulations. Morphogenetic differentiation, tissue growth and rate of success of the cultured explants in resuming new growth were found to vary with orchid species, culture media and explant types. among the four orchid taxa V. roxburghii was found to be the most responsive for in vitro culture followed by D. aphyllum, R. retusa and L. teretifolia. The plantlets thus developed through in vitro culture were acclimated and transferred into in vivo condition and were finally grown to maturity.