Rapid propagation of Phalaenopsis from floral stalk-derived leaves

An efficient and rapid in vitro method was developed for regeneration of Phalaenopsis using leaf segments derived in vitro from flower stalk nodes. Leaf segments of four cultivars Tinny Sunshine 'Annie', 'Taisuco Hatarot', Teipei Cold 'Golden Star', Tinny Galaxy 'Annie' cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with N-6-benzyladenine (BA; 88.8 muM) and alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 5.4 muM) produced an average of 10-13 protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) after 12wk. PLB proliferation was achieved on a modified Hyponex medium (1 gl(-1) 6.5N-4.5P-19K+20N-20P-20K+2 gl(-1) peptone + 3% (w/v) potato homogenate + 0.05% activated 1 gl(-1) charcoal) and an optimal number of 1318 PLBs developed front single PLB sections of different cultivars. Plantlet development was also achieved on a modified Hyponex medium. By repeated subculture of PLBs on a proliferation medium, and culturing them in the plantlet regeneration medium, plantlets could be produced continuously. Approximately 6 mo. were required from the initiation of culture to the production of plantlets for transplant to community pots.