In vitro propagation and phyto-chemical assessment of Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw.: An orchid of pharma-horticultural importance

Orchids are one of the most fascinating plant families amongst the flowering plants. Amongst the various orchid genus Cymbidiums figure out prominently. The present study focuses on the development of an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for Cymbidium aloifolium, an epiphytic orchid with high commercial value. It also aims at analysing the important phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of in vitro and in vivo plants. The effects of MS basal media (half or full strength) and MS medium supplemented with BAP were studied for in vitro seed germination. Among different media, 1/2 MS medium resulted in in vitro seed germination, protocorm development and plantlets formation in the shortest duration. However, 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) played an important role during proliferation of protocorms or in vitro multiplication, thus resulted in maximum number of shoots (39), root length (6.10 cm) on MS medium with 1.0 mg/L BAP. Largest shoot length was observed on solid BM-2 medium. 90% of the plantlets survived in the potting mixture consisting of cocopeat, perlite and wood saw dust in a ratio of 1:1:1. Comparative phytochemical analysis revealed that in vitro regenerated plants showed a higher yield of secondary metabolites. This work will facilitate the utilization of orchid phyto-constituents for various pharmaceutical applications in the industries. (c) 2021 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.