Comparison of different culture media for the in vitro culture of Dendrobium (Orchidaceae)

The potential of different media, supplements and conditions for reliable Dendrobium orchid plantlet regeneration from in vitro grown leaf explants were studied. In all three media under investigation, regeneration was via the production of protocorm-like bodies (PLBs). Maximum number of PLBs was obtained in Murashige and Skoog (MS)liquid médium agitated at 80 rpm and supplemented with 0.1 mg L-1 of BA, 1.0 mg L-1 of NAA and 15 percent (v/v)coconut water. Shoot regeneration was achieved when the PLBs were transferred onto solidified MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L-1 of BA, 1.0 mg L-1 of NAA and 15 percent (v/v)coconut water and 10 g L-1 potato homogenate. The shoots develope d roots after four weeks of culture on the same medium. Transferring them onto wood charcoal successfully acclimatized the in vitro grown plantlets. The short duration of in vitro culture and its high efficiency makes this approach well suited for mass production of Dendrobium orchids.