Multiplication, rooting in vitro, and acclimatization of Brassavola tuberculata Hook. (Orchidaceae), an orchid endemic to the brazilian atlantic rainforest

Abstract

The objective of this study was to promote the establishment of an in vitro culture of Brassavola tuberculata, testing different concentrations of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) on multiplication and rooting, evaluating different substrates during acclimatization, as well as the effect of in vitro treatments. After germination, the seedlings of B. tuberculata were subjected to culture on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of NAA and BAP, and multiplication and rooting were assessed. During acclimatization, different substrates were tested: S1, Plantmax® and vermiculite (1: 1); S2, Plantmax® and grit (1: 1); and S3, dust fern. Also the effect of the in vitro culture treatments was evaluated: T1, control; T5, (2.5 µM NAA +5 µM BAP); and T7, (5 µM NAA + 0 µM BAP). The favorable balance of cytokinins promoted by treatment T5 yielded the largest number of shoots and leaves in B. tuberculata. The greatest length of leaves and roots, and highest root number were observed in the treatment T7, favored by the presence of auxin. This treatment had a positive effect with respect to plant acclimatization: T7 associated with substrate S1 provided the most suitable conditions for acclimatization of seedlings of B. tuberculata, providing greater number and length of leaves, and high survival rate.