MICROPROPAGATION OF RHYNCHOSTYLIS GIGANTEA ORCHID BY SOMATIC EMBRYOGENIC CULTURES

Abstract

Rhynchostylis gigantea is a wild orchid species commonly grown. Flowering at the traditional Tet holiday, the flower season always blooms in December of the lunar calendar. The flower has a faint aroma, so it is called Nghinh spring and is a kind of orchid with a national soul and national essence. Rhynchostylis gigantea is found in many areas in Vietnam as it is distributed in the South Central Highlands, especially the areas bordering Laos and Cambodia at low altitudes <600m. Rhynchostylis gigantea is a type of heat-resistant orchid, with suitable temperatures for orchid being from 26-30^oC. Rhynchostylis gigantea species have many different colors such as red, white, shrimp brick color, blue and pink. The single-member tree does not assume pseudobulbs, grows vertically, has many pneumatophores and grows straight from the stem. Rhynchostylis gigantea grows slowly and regenerates with seeds. Due to high genetic diversity, it is difficult to maintain the parent’s characteristics. Applying techniques of somatic embryo culture in conservation and development of the Rhynchostylis gigantea tree to meet the increasing demand for seedlings is urgent.