encapsulation of protocorm of cymbidium bicolor lindl. for short-term storage and germplasm exchange

The present study describes the encapsulation of protocorm ofcymbidium bicolor lindl. from 60 days-old in seed cultures for shorttermconservation and propagation. various concentrations and combinationsof gelling matrix (sodium alginate) and complexing agents (calciumchloride) were tested to prepare uniform beads. the ideal beads were obtainedthrough a combination of 3% sodium alginate and 100 mm calciumchloride. encapsulated protocorms exhibited the best re-growth and conversionfrequency on ms medium supplemented with ba (4.42 ?m). encapsulatedprotocorms stored at 25°c were green and retained the viabilitywith potential for conversion (52%) and germination even after 360days. the encapsulated protocorms stored at 4°c remained viable up to30 days beyond which the conversion rate decreased drastically. well-developedplantlets were transplanted into plastic pots containing vermiculiteand maintained for 60 days in the culture room for acclimatization. the90% of the recovered plantlets were hardened off and established successfullyin the soil. the present study could be useful for large scalepropagation as well as short term storage of this commercial orchid.