The Application of Chitosan for Protocorm Like Bodies (PLB) Induction of Orchid (Dendrobium sp) In Vitro

Abstract Indonesia has a tropical orchid species diversity is greatest in the world, but unfortunately, the conservation of orchids less attention from the government. At present the development of orchids in Indonesia is still at the level of conventional farming, while conservation is still lacking. If no one focuses on the conservation of orchids in Indonesia will become extinct due to an increase in illegal logging, forest fires and climate change will further accelerate the extinction of orchids in Indonesia. While it's still a few who are able to do the development and utilization of special orchids by tissue culture technology in particular. The best method to date in the preservation and propagation of orchids is by tissue culture, because through tissue culture are many things that can be done in comparison with conventional methods. The effect of fungal chitosan on the growth and development of seed in culture was investigated solid medium. The growth of seed explants into Protocorm Like Bodies (PLB) in solid medium was accelerated up to 4 times in the presence of fungal chitosan. The aim of the research was induction PLB with difference concentration of chitosan were 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ppm. In general, the best result at 15 ppm of chitosan with number of PLB, fresh weigh of PLB and number of plantlet. This concentration will be used for mass production by bioreactor system.