Propagazione in vitro di orchidee native di praterie aride: effetti delle condizioni colturali sulla germinazione, lo sviluppo delle plantule e la formazione di tuberi

Within the European Project LIFE 10/NAT/IT/000243 - Friuli Venezia Giulia Region - four orchid species distinctive of the habitat of Community Importance 62A0 (Eastern sub-Mediterranean dry grasslands) have been propagated by seeds. The main aim of the Project is plants reintroduction, with reinforcement of wild populations and biodiversity conservation. Two different culture media were compared for germination and protocorms growth: Basal Medium 1 and Basal Medium 1 added with coconut water. Results showed that coconut water stimulates the germination of Anacamptis coriophora, Anacamptis pyramidalis and Gymnadenia conopsea; a positive effect of this natural compound brought out also for Serapias vomeracea, during following protocorms development. Furthermore, culture medium enriched with coconut water promoted plantlets growth, evaluated as length of young leaves. within 6 – 9 months from seeding. Unlike the other species, Serapias vomeracea grew without distinction to growth medium. All orchid plants have been maintained in in vitro conditions until tubers production. These underground perennial organs gain an important role in nutrient storage and propagation, maintaining viable dormant buds during adverse environmental conditions. Consequently, their presence could provide a good response during plants transferring in greenhouse for the acclimatization.