UPLB researchers develop new
orchid germplasm conservation method

By Bethilda E. Umali
MediaCore, PCARRD

Researchers at the University of the Philippines Los Baños developed a method of orchid germplasm conservation that may provide answer to the urgent need to protect the country's rich orchid biodiversity.

UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding's Nestor C. Altoveros, Rachel C. Sotto, and Lilian F. Pateña claim that storing seeds with low moisture content and in low temperature condition could be a promising method of orchid germplasm conservation. The findings came out of a study entitled “Investigation into the Conservation of Biodiversity of Indigenous Orchids Using Seeds.”

The new technique consists of collecting mature capsules, drying the seeds to 7 percent moisture content, storing the seeds in glass bottles with silica gel at zero degree centigrade, and re-hydrating the conserved seed under room temperature as a preconditioning treatment). The seeds are then germinated and plantlets are re-generated both in culture media.

With the seeds of indigenous orchids conserved and regenerated using this technique, resulting plantlets could be re-introduced into the ecosystem and habitat where orchids or capsules have been collected.

The technology allows the conservation of numerous orchid species at one time, simplifies handling and maintenance, requires less space, and reduces cost of inputs.

The country can now better protect its rich source of genetic variability for breeding orchids with the new technology.  The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, an agency of the Department of Science and Technology funded the research.