In vitro conservation and multiplication of Cymbidium finlaysonianum Lindl. - A horticulturally important floriferous orchid species

The study is envisioned to assist ex situ conservation of horticulturally important endangered epiphytic orchid species, Cymbidium finlaysonianum. The in vitro cultures were initiated through an asymbiotic seed germination technique, using undehisced capsules, in Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium and its combinations with auxin (α-naphthalene acetic acid; NAA 1 mgl-1) and cytokinin (6-benzylamino purine; BAP 1 mgl-1). MS medium (control), favoured early initiation of germination in the seeds. Attempts were also made to multiply protocorms in basal medium. Although growth regulators favoured protocorm multiplication, they also multiplied in Basal MS medium. Synergistic action of NAA and BAP was observed in seedling development, similar to that of the basal medium. Seedlings were formed after 20 weeks.