In Vitro Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Dracula felix (Luer) Luer-An Orchid Native to Ecuador

Effects of daily temperature fluctuations that mimic on-site environmental conditions were tested on seed germination and development in Dracula felix, a native epiphytic orchid from the neotropics. Mature seeds collected from a native population lost their viability from 60% to 37.78% and 0% after 8 and 16 weeks., respectively, under 22 & PLUSMN; 2 & DEG;C. Seed viability was completely lost when seeds were maintained at -10 & DEG;C in the dark. Less than 50% germination was observed in D. felix seed across all treatments. Seed germinated regardless of the light or temperature treatment. However, significant improvement in germination was observed at 17/22 & DEG;C compared to constant temperature treatments. Early seedling development stages were observed only on 1/2XMS and VW media at 17 & DEG;C or 17 & DEG;C/22 & DEG;C under a 12 h light photoperiod. Neither germination nor seedling development were improved by any fungal strain tested using standard symbiotic germination protocols. Information obtained from this study is critical to ensure the ex-situ conservation of this and other rare Dracula species under current and future climate change scenarios.