2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Techniques for orchid seed germination are important for orchid breeding and conservation efforts. Orchid seeds do not contain an adequate endosperm food source and instead derive their nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. Orchid seeds cannot germinate without this symbiotic relationship. Tissue culture forms the basis of commercial orchid seed propagation. Using tissue culture and media prepared to provide proper nutrition, orchid seeds can be germinated without the mycorrhizal fungi. The objectives of this research were to measure the germination rate and protocorm and seedling development of different orchid genera using 15 different media formulations supplemented with either coconut water or pineapple powder. The media evaluated included five different formulas of Vacin and Went, Knudson C, and Phytotech Orchid Seed Sowing Media (P723). All media formulations were supplemented with 10% and 20% coconut water and 10% and 20% pineapple powder. Each media was also evaluated without the coconut water or pineapple powder. Orchid seed sowing was conducted aseptically using green seed pods of Dendrobium, Grammatophyllum, and Cymbidium species. The results compared the germination and development of the different orchid genera on the different media. This research is of significance for improving the techniques for orchid seed germination.