Advances in Breeding, Bioprospecting, and In Vitro Culture of Laelia Orchid Species

Abstract

Orchids (Orchidaceae) are plants that are highly appreciated by their beautiful flowers worldwide. Moreover, they represent a source of metabolites with applications in medicine and biotechnology. Within the Orchidaceae family, the Laelia genus is a group of orchid species from the Neotropics and is probably one of the most representative genera of America. Laelia orchids are cultivated by their splendid flowers and are widely used in orchid breeding. Here, we revise the use of the Laelia genus in orchid breeding and metabolite bioprospecting. We also analyze the use of plant tissue culture (PTC) as an alternative to conventional propagation and as a strategy for the recovery of those Laelia species threatened with extinction. We summarize and discuss the recent advances in the application of different PTC techniques for mass multiplication based on asymbiotic germination, organogenesis, protocorm-like bodies development, and somatic embryogenesis, and the advances of in vitro conservation by cryoconservation and the use of slow-growth promoting hormones. Finally, we suggest future directions and venues in research for Laelia species.

Advance in Cell Cultures, Cell Fusion and Cell Splitting of Medicinal and Edible Plant

“…Later haploid plants were obtained from the microspore culture of 2 tobacco and carrot [6], and Cocking et al treated tobacco cells with purified cellulase and pectinase to obtain protoplasts from which was regenerated plants in the 1960s [7]. Since then, the research of plant in vitro culture has moved to the stage of large-scale culture and made a major achievements in protoplast culture, microspore culture and micropropagation technology [8][9][10].…”

Development of Agar Substitute Formulated with Mucilage and Pectin from Opuntia Local Waste Matter for Cattleya sp. Orchids In Vitro Culture Media

“…However, the growing demanding market for this plant caused by habitat destruction, modification, and illegal extraction has become a problem. Due to improving the germination of orchid seeds and accelerating the production of orchid plants, agricultural systems have been forced to implement new technologies that improve production [2]. As a result, the in vitro culture technique has emerged.…”