Micropropagation of an Exquisite Orchid, Acampe rigida (Buch. – Ham. Ex J. E. Sm.) P.F. Hunt., Through Embryo Culture

Orchids consists of biologically interesting and commercially significant groups of plants representing the largest flowering plant family with nearly 30,000 species in 800 genera; about 1300 species occur in India. Green pod culture of Acampe rigida, an exquisite orchid of Western Ghats was tested in four different culture media in situ. Mitra et al., Knudson C, Vacin and Went and Wimber media. Mitra et al., medium proved to be the best for obtaining high percentage seed germination. Green pod culture of this species was further raised with ease in Mitra et al., liquid medium fortified with different organic additives like casein acid hydrolysate (CH), peptone (P), yeast extract (YE), and coconut water (CW). Mitra et al., nutrient medium supplemented with 0.05% CH (w/v) to achieve maximum seed germination and protocorm development. CW was found be least effective in seed germination and subsequent protocorm development. After 60 days of culture in liquid medium, the developing protocorms were transferred to solid Mitra medium containing same amount of additives. Maximum proliferation of protocorm was achieved in CH containing medium. After second subculture in solid medium, the healthy rooted seedlings obtained were transferred to community pots containing charcoal and tile pieces and 83% survival rate was obtained.

Keywords: Acampe rigida, embryo culture, green pod culture, liquid medium, micropropagation, orchid, protocorm, seedlings, seed germination, survival, tissue culture.