In vitro immature embryo germination and propagation of Vanda stangeana Rchb. f., an orchid endemic to India

The conservation of any endemic species requires modern biological tools. In this study, an efficient, viable in vitro protocol was established for the seed germination, protocorm multiplication and subsequent plantlet regeneration of Vanda stangeana , an orchid species endemic to Manipur, India. Of the six basal media tested for asymbiotic seed germination, half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium (½ MS) was found to be the most effective. Protocorms were further developed on ½ MS supplemented with different concentrations of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and kinetin (KN), either singly or in combination. The highest protocorm multiplication was obtained on the medium supplemented with NAA (2.7 μM) and KN (2.3 μM). Vigorous plantlets were developed when cultured on ½ MS supplemented with banana homogenate (30 g·L -1 ). A functional root system was developed when the shoots were transferred to ½ MS supplemented with NAA (5.7 μM). Transplanted seedlings grew best on a potting mix containing brick chips and charcoal pieces (2:1). Acclimatized plants were introduced to an Arboretum under the management of the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, India. Thus, we have successfully developed a viable protocol for in vitro culture of Vanda stangeana .