Less is more: low-cost in vitro propagation of an Endangered Italian orchid

• DOI: 10.24189/ncr.2020.043
• Publication Date: 2020-08-31T08:49:37Z
• Authors: Jacopo Calevo; Miriam Bazzicalupo
• Keywords: Orchidaceae; Biotic component

Orchids are among the most widely distributed plants but also threatened by biotic and abiotic factors.Their interactions with specific symbiotic fungi during germination in natural environments make their propagation challenging for conservation biologists.In this study, framework of European project LIFEorchids, protocol endangered Mediterranean species Orchis patens was optimised, effect controlled constant temperature growth chambers fluctuations occurring compared.Seed viability evaluated using a double-staining technique.Minimum, maximum average daily temperatures were recorded six months, from July to December, percentages, as well developmental stages seeds, annotated, both conditions, every month.Even if obtained under evident, increasing percentage seeds about 10% conditions 59%.The latter result almost comparable seed data, indicating strong impact breaking dormancy.Our results confirmation that oscillations play more important role than suggest avoiding optimise protocols orchid species.