Cycnoches haagii is an epiphytic Orchidaceae found in the Brazilian Savannah that presents a great ornamental potential. Aiming at developing a complete seminal propagation protocol of C. haagii, as well as testing the influence of the mycorrhizal fungi presence in the process, mature seeds were germinated in vitro in the presence or absence of two fungal isolates, both belonging to the Tulasnella genus (FCH and FHC3E), in three culture media (B&G, Knudson and OMA). The percentage of germinated seeds was evaluated, and the protocorms of the four media with higher percentages were transferred to a new media, aiming at the conversion into plantlets. The seedlings were evaluated for shoot length, number of leaves, length of the largest root, number of roots and total fresh matter. The B&G medium provided a germination rate higher than 60 %, besides a higher seedling growth, contributing to 100 % of survival in the acclimatization stage, independently of the mycorrhizal fungi presence. However, only the seedlings from the B&G medium inoculated with the isolated FHC presented a fast growth when acclimatized, and flowering at the end of the first year of acclimatization. Therefore, the presence of the mycorrhizal fungus FHC on the B&G medium, during the germination phase, is adequate for the propagation of C. haagii, because it accelerates its development and anticipates the ex vitro flowering.
Aspasia variegata occurs naturally in the savanna of the Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil and it has been widely collected for its beautiful fl owers. Additionally, its habitat has been greatly reduced and little or no investigation of its spread has been performed. Aiming to establish a protocol to obtain seedlings of the orchid
Cycnoches haagii Barb. Rodr. is an epiphytic orchid very targeted by collectors, but no reference was found in the literature about its reproductive biology. Thus, the purpose of this study was to obtain initial information regarding pollination types and its influence on seed viability of this native orchid of the Brazilian Cerrado, in order to enable future propagation and preservation programs. Pollination among flowers of the same plant (geitonogamy) or different plants (xenogamy) were carried out. Seeds extracted from the capsules were sown in B&G medium, with full and half strength. Seeds from geitonogamic resulted in 25% of albino protocorms and consequently in albino seedlings. This phenomenon did not occur in seedlings derived from xenogamic pollination. Pigment analysis showed that even the albino seedlings presented chlorophylls and carotenoids, however, in significantly minor concentrations, 16% and 37% respectively, in relation to green seedlings. Geitonogamic and xenogamic pollinations resulted in C. haagii viable seeds with high germination percentage (90%) under in vitro conditions. The germination of seeds from xenogamic pollination resulted in chlorophyll or normal seedlings only, and can be recommended at conservation programs. On the other hand, although geitonogamic pollination should be avoided at conservation programs of this orchid species as it leads to albino seedlings, it showed a very interesting system to obtain seedlings with this phenotype, an interesting plant material to future investigation.
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