Effect of Sucrose on Proliferation and Conservation of Cymbidium Hybrids in Vitro

The responses of protocorm like bodies (PLB's) of Cymbidium hybrids HXB, Lunavian Atlas (LA) and BXH cultured on Murashige and Skoog's_(MS) medium with sucrose were observed two weeks after culture. Proliferation of PLB's recorded early on medium supplemented with 20 g/l followed by 35 g/1 sucrose in BXH, while in LA and HXB it was recorded at 40 g/1 sucrose. Sucrose at 10 and 15 g/l in the medium completely suppressed the growth followed by gradual discoloration and ultimate death of the explants in 6–9 month period, while sucrose at 40 g/l in the media resulted in enhanced culture weight and bigger sized PLB's. Maximum per cent dry weight was recorded at 60g/1 sucrose. Among the hybrids, maximum number of protocorm like bodies and shoots was recorded in Cymbidium cross BXH. Plantlets regenerated on medium supplemented with 20 to 60g/l sucrose were maintained in vitro for upto 15 month.