Abstract

RUIZ, BC et al. In vitro germination of Encyclia adenocaula (La Llave & Lex.) Schltr (Orchidaceae) seeds. Phyton (B. Aires) [online]. 2008, vol.77, pp.203-215. ISSN 1851-5657.

Encyclia adenocaula (La Llave & Lex.) Schltr. (Orchidaceae) is an epiphyte orchid, which uses oak (Quercus sp) trees as a natural host and is thus considered a non timber-yielding forest resource. Predation of this species is high because of the beauty of its flowers. The Official Mexican Norm (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2001) reports it as an endemic endangered species in Mexico. The objective of this research was to (1) establish an effective protocol for in vitro germination of immature seeds of this species, and (2) determine the effect of the capsule maturity state on seed germination. The in vitro cultivation mediums were: Murashige and Skoog; Vacin and Went; Dalla Rosa and Laneri K07, and Phytamax (Orchid maintenance medium). Capsule maturity stages were based on a color scale of 4 values: (1) green, (2) yellowish green, (3) yellow without dehiscence, and (4) brown with dehiscence initiation. Seed germination and seedling growth were evaluated during 70 days determining: (1) days to germination, (2) ger-mination percentage, (3) seedling vigor and height. The obtained results indicated that the Phytamax medium showed the greatest germination percentage when green and yellowish green capsules were used. In addition, seedlings showed a greater growth rate.

Keywords : Encyclia adenocaula; Orchidaceae; In vitro germination; Capsules.

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