In Vitro Seed Germination of Pecteilis Gigantea: A Rare and Endangered Orchid from Western Ghats

Tiny seeds of Pecteilis gigantea were cultured on different nutrient media such as MSBM, VWBM, KCBM, BGBM and FBBM supplemented with CM (15%) to study their germination frequency. The germinated seeds (96%) formed protocorm like bodies (PLB�s) on VWBM after 42 days of culture when compared to other media tried. These PLB�s produced large number of multiple shoots and roots on VWBM fortified with BAP (3 mgl-1), NAA (1 mgl-1), CM (15%) and P (500 ppm) after a single passage of subculture. The complete plantlets were hardened and transferred to the field with 92% survival frequency.