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.
