Encapsulation of Protocorm of Cymbidium bicolor Lindl. for Short-Term Storage and Germplasm Exchange

The present study describes the encapsulation of protocorm of Cymbidium bicolor Lindl. from 60 days-old in seed cultures for shortterm conservation and propagation. Various concentrations and combinations of gelling matrix (sodium alginate) and complexing agents (calcium chloride) were tested to prepare uniform beads. The ideal beads were obtained through a combination of 3% sodium alginate and 100 mM calcium chloride. Encapsulated protocorms exhibited the best re-growth and conversion frequency on MS medium supplemented with BA (4.42 ?M). Encapsulated protocorms stored at 25°C were green and retained the viability with potential for conversion (52%) and germination even after 360 days. The encapsulated protocorms stored at 4°C remained viable up to 30 days beyond which the conversion rate decreased drastically. Well-developed plantlets were transplanted into plastic pots containing vermiculite and maintained for 60 days in the culture room for acclimatization. The 90% of the recovered plantlets were hardened off and established successfully in the soil. The present study could be useful for large scale propagation as well as short term storage of this commercial orchid.