In vitro seed germination of Pecteilis gigantea: A Rare and endangered orchid from Western Ghats

Tiny seeds of Pecteilis gigantea were cultured on different nutrient media such as MSBM, VWBM, KCBM, BGBM and FBBM supplemented with CM (15) to study their germination frequency. The germinated seeds (96) formed protocorm like bodies (PLB's) on VWBM after 42 days of culture when compared to other media tried. These PLB's produced large number of multiple shoots and roots on VWBM fortified with BAP (3 mgl-1), NAA (1 mgl-1), CM (15) and P (500 ppm) after a single passage of subculture. The complete plantlets were hardened and transferred to the field with 92 survival frequency. © 2006 Society for Biology and Biotechnology.