European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IN VITRO ORGANOGENESIS AND MICROPROPAGATION OF THE ORCHID HYBRID, CATTLEYA NAOMI KERNS

*Jayarama Reddy

ABSTRACT

Orchids account for a large share of global floriculture trade both as cut flowers and as potted plants and are estimated to comprise around 10% of the International fresh cut flower trade. India accounts for nearly 7% of worlds orchid biodiversity contributing 1300 species which are distributed in five major phyto-geographical regions. India is in an excellent position to produce orchids of high quality compete with the leading nations in the orchid trade. Fortunately, India has all the potentials for the development of a successful orchid industry on scientific basis; it has varied and suitable climate and almost all the important commercial varieties of orchids including those of Cattleya, Cymbidium, Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis. For cut-flower growers Cattleya is extremely important crop. Clones of disease-free, photo-periodically controllable cultivars are desirable, because in cultivation they proved very profitable. Cattleya Naomi Kerns (CNK) hybrids were micropropagated using shot tips as explants. Micrpropagation of CNK was carried out in three steps viz, in vitro production of plbs & plantlets, sub-culturing of plantlets and induction of rooting & multiplication of plantlets. This paper deals with a modified and improvised technique for the large scale production of the orchid hybrids.

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