Abstract:
Floriculture is rapidly growing in many parts of the world and becoming an
important commercial venture. The local production of floriculture products is
valued at over US$‘ 14.2 million annually. The introduction of new plants is
essential for the development of this sector. In this regard, identification and
introduction of wild plants to the floriculture industry would not only solve the
problem of finding new plants to the industry, but would also help to conserve
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native plants by preventing the loss of these plants from their habitat. Rhynchostylis
retusa is one of the most beautiful endemic species of orchid found in Sri Lanka.
Today it is an endangered wild species. But no artificial propagation has been
performed yet. Since conventional propagation methods are not promising in
propagation of orchid, micropropagation is good alternative for mass scale
propagation of this endangered species
This research was conducted to identify suitable seed pod maturity stage and best
germination medium for Rhynchostylis retusa. Kundson C medium along with basal
MS (Murushieg and Skoog) supplemented with coconut water, banana extract, 0.05
mg/1 BAP were used for these experiments. Matured seeds showed highest
germination percentage when compared to immature and semi matured seeds.
Kundson C is the best medium for Rhynchostylis retusa seed germination.
