Studies on the production of synthetic seed of Cymbidium elegans x C. aloifolium hybrid

Abstract

The present study demonstrated the alginate encapsulation and short term storage system for germplasm storage of synthetic seeds, produced using individual protocorm-like-bodies (PLBs) of newly developed F1 hybrid of Cymbidium elegans x C. aloifolium. The best alginate concentration for encapsulation was found to be 3% (w/v) and 100 mM calcium chloride solution resulted in maximum response (93.3%) on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2.5 µM BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine). The encapsulated PLBs showed different response after storage at different temperature. The multiplication frequency declined on both storage temperatures tested i.e. 4ºC and 25°C. Encapsulated PLBs stored at 4°C showed survival for longer storage while capsules stored at 25°C resulted in rapid deterioration within 90 days. This indicates that storage at low temperature is more effective for synthetic seed of this new F1 hybrid. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to test the clonal fidelity of plantlets emerged from encapsulated beads stored at 4°C to study post storage genetic stability. Results of molecular markers showed absence of any polymorphic band, thus multiplied encapsulated beads stored at 4°C to study post storage genetic stability. Results of molecular markers showed absence of any polymorphic band, thus multiplied encapsulated PLBs were found true to type.