Kendon et al. Bot Stud (2017) 58:34 DOI 10.1186/s40529-017-0187-5
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Open Access
Collecting near mature and immature orchid seeds for ex situ conservation: ‘in vitro collecting’ as a case study Jonathan P. Kendon1, Landy Rajaovelona2, Helen Sandford1, Rui Fang1, Jake Bell1 and Viswambharan Sarasan1*
Abstract Background: Lack of phenological information and efficient collecting methods are considered impediments for orchid seed collecting. This leads to opportunistic collecting as part of general seed collecting schedules that may last few weeks especially in remote areas. The study explored the feasibility of collecting near mature and immature seeds to support conservation action plans. Mature, near mature and immature seeds of orchids were collected from the wild in the Central Highlands of Madagascar (CHM). Seed capsules were collected in sterile culture medium in the wild, to prevent deterioration of seeds inside the capsule after collecting, later to be cultured under laboratory conditions. Results: Seed capsules collected by the in vitro collecting (IVC) method were kept in very good condition for up to 4 weeks before germination under in vitro conditions. Significantly faster and higher germination rate (p
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Open Access
Collecting near mature and immature orchid seeds for ex situ conservation: ‘in vitro collecting’ as a case study Jonathan P. Kendon1, Landy Rajaovelona2, Helen Sandford1, Rui Fang1, Jake Bell1 and Viswambharan Sarasan1*
Abstract Background: Lack of phenological information and efficient collecting methods are considered impediments for orchid seed collecting. This leads to opportunistic collecting as part of general seed collecting schedules that may last few weeks especially in remote areas. The study explored the feasibility of collecting near mature and immature seeds to support conservation action plans. Mature, near mature and immature seeds of orchids were collected from the wild in the Central Highlands of Madagascar (CHM). Seed capsules were collected in sterile culture medium in the wild, to prevent deterioration of seeds inside the capsule after collecting, later to be cultured under laboratory conditions. Results: Seed capsules collected by the in vitro collecting (IVC) method were kept in very good condition for up to 4 weeks before germination under in vitro conditions. Significantly faster and higher germination rate (p
