Micropropagation and ecorestoration of Vanda spathulata, an exquisite orchid

Abstract

Node explants collected from flowering plants of Vanda spathulata, an endemic and exquisite orchid of Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, were cultured in Mitra medium with combinations of 4.4–88.8 μm 6-benzyl adenine (BA) and 0.0–114.2 μm indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Combinations of 44.4 μm BA with 17.1 or 28.5 μm IAA and 66.6 mM BA with 28.5 or 40.0 μm IAA induced maximum formation of 12.6 and 12.1 shoots / node, respectively, in a 6-month period. Subcultured nodal explants produced maximum of 6.1 shoots at combinations of 22.2–44.4 μm 21 BA and 5.7–28.5 μm IAA. Rooting of shoots occurred in medium containing 75 g l⁻¹ banana pulp and 5.7 μm IAA within 3–9 weeks. Plantlets of 2–5 cm length possessing two to five roots established easily in community pots at 80–90% rates without hardening. Community potted plants introduced into forest segments at Ponmudi and Palode in Southern Western Ghats of India established at a rate of 50–70%.