Asymbiotic seed germination and in vitro seedling development of Pelatantheria scolopendrifolia, a rare epiphytic orchid native to Korea

Pelatantheria scolopendrifolia (Makino) Aver. is a critically endangered orchid species. In this study, an asymbiotic seed germination and development protocol to facilitate in situ and ex situ conservation of P. scolopendrifolia was determined. Seedlings were cultured in vitro on 1/2-strength Murashige & Skoog medium (1/2 MS), Phytamax Orchid Maintenance Medium (POM), Orchid BM1 Terrestrial Seed Germination & Stem Propagation Medium (OBTSG), or Orchid BM2 Terrestrial Stem propagation and Callus Medium (OBTSCM). Seeds started to germinate on all media except POM, with optimal growth on 1/2 MS medium, wherein 70% of seed germinated and produced roots and shoots within 12 weeks. Thus, we recommend culturing P. scolopendrifolia Seeds on 1/2 MS to facilitate germination and seed development, and in turn, in situ and ex situ conservation of this endangered species.