In vitro regeneration of Lycaste aromatica (Graham ex Hook) Lindl. (Orchidaceae) from pseudobulb sections

A protocol for in vitro propagation from pseudobulb sections of Lycaste armomatica (Graham ex Hook) Lindl., an ornamental and fragrant orchid, was developed. The effect of four cytokinins: kinetin (K), meta-topolin (mT), N 6-benzyladenine (BA), and thidiazuron (TDZ), in equimolar concentrations, was investigated. Shoot formation from apical and basal pseudobulb sections was obtained in all treatments. A few medial sections cultured in media supplemented with BA formed protocorm-like bodies. Shoot formation was greater from the basal section than the apical, and mainly occurred in explants cultured in media containing TDZ. The highest average numbers of shoots per explant were achieved from basal sections cultured in media supplemented with TDZ at 4.4, 8.87 and 2.2 µM, forming on average 9.9, 8.6 and 7.3 shoots per explant, respectively. Since the medial pseudobulb section was the worst explant for propagation of L. aromatica, we recommend that pseudobulbs be divided into two sections; the basal half should be cultured in MS medium supplemented with TDZ at 4.4 µM and the apical half with TDZ at 2.2 µM. Subculturing individual shoots in MS medium without plant growth regulators allows further development and rooting. A survival rate of more than 90% under greenhouse conditions was achieved. This research represents a direct contribution to the conservation and sustainable use of this valuable natural resource.