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Symbiotic seed germination of Habenaria macroceratitis (Orchidaceae), a rare Florida terrestrial orchid

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Abstract

The rapid loss of native orchid habitat throughout ecologically important areas (e.g., Florida) has prompted researchers to develop appropriate plans for the propagation and reintroduction of many native orchid species. Ideally, symbiotic orchid seed germination methods are utilized in the production of orchid seedlings to be used in plant reintroduction programs. In the current study we (1) describe an efficient symbiotic seed germination protocol to germinate seeds of the rare sub-tropical terrestrial orchid Habenaria macroceratitis; (2) discuss the in vitro fungal specificity demonstrated by this species; and (3) describe the effects of three photoperiods (0/24 h, 16/8 h, 24/0 h L/D) on in vitro symbiotic seed germination of H. macroceratitis. Six fungal mycobionts were isolated from both vegetative and flowering plants of H. macroceratitis from two geographically distinct sites. Symbiotic seed germination percent was highest (65.7%) and protocorm development was most advanced (Stage 2) when seeds were cultured with fungal mycobiont Hmac-310. Seeds of H. macroceratitis demonstrated a degree of specificity toward fungal mycobionts isolated from plants originating from the same site where seed was collected. Continual darkness (0/24 h L/D) inhibited initial seed germination (Stage 1; 17.1%), but stimulated subsequent protocorm development (Stage 2; 53.5%). These findings will aid in developing an efficient symbiotic seed germination protocol for the conservation of this rare Florida terrestrial orchid, and may prove useful in the conservation of other sub-tropical terrestrial orchid species.

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Abbreviations

OMA:

Oat meal agar

PDA:

Potato dextrose agar

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Philip Kauth and Tim Johnson (Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida) for their reviews of this manuscript. Bijan Dehgan, Ph.D. (Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida) provided microscopic equipment. Appreciation is also extended to the San Diego County Orchid Society and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge-US Fish and Wildlife Service for providing financial support of this project. Brand names are provided for references, the authors do not solely endorse these particular products.

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  1. Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110675, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Scott L. Stewart & Michael E. Kane

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  1. Scott L. Stewart
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  2. Michael E. Kane
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Correspondence to Scott L. Stewart.

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Stewart, S.L., Kane, M.E. Symbiotic seed germination of Habenaria macroceratitis (Orchidaceae), a rare Florida terrestrial orchid. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult 86, 159–167 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11240-006-9104-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11240-006-9104-4

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