In vitro propagation of Dendrobium macrostachyum Lindl.--a threatened orchid

In vitro propagation of Dendrobium macrostachyum, a threatened and endemic species was achieved through nodal explants. The nodal explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium and MS medium supplemented with N6-benzyladenine (BA-2.22, 4.44 and 8.88 microM), Kinetin (KN-2.32, 4.65, and 9.29 microM) and Coconut water (CW, 5, 10 and 15%) individually or in combination with 2.69 microM alpha-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Axillary shoots were induced directly from nodal explants in medium containing BA, KN or CW. Optimal shoot induction (6 shoots/explant) was attained from nodal explants cultured on medium supplemented with 15% CW. Well developed shoots rooted at an average 5 roots per shoot in half strength MS medium devoid of any growth regulators.