ENHANCED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT DENDROBIUM WHITE ORCHIDS BY MICROPROPAGATION AND HYDROPONICS

Abstract

Orchidaceae is the second largest plant family with between 600-800 genera and 25,000-35,000 species. The beauty of the orchids mesmerizes human beings and creates a billion-dollar market worldwide. The aim of this study was to establish the cost-effective growth method to produce commercially important orchid plants in shorter time duration. The growth and development of orchids were established through plant tissue culture based micro propagation and were acclimatized for healthy growth through a hydroponic system. Under this study the shooting of orchids was obtained on the reported media androoting of orchids was optimized. Different concentrations of NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) from 0mg/l to 0.8mg/l were tested for the development of orchid roots. The highest number of roots (12) was obtained at 0.6mg/l NAA whereas highest lengths of roots (1.8cm) were observed at 0.8mg/l NAA. In this study nutrient sprays were tested for the acclimatization and growth of orchids. Three different types of nutrient solutions like NPK, Hoag land and MS Macro and Micro were tested. Results indicate that among three nutrient solutions, NPK 20:20:20 (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) was the best nutrient solution for the effective growth and development of commercially important orchids. Therefore, this protocol was found to be most effective for the micro propagationof commercially important orchid plants.