Asymbiotic germination of immature embryos of a medicinally important epiphytic orchid Acampe papillosa (Lindl.) Lindl.

The immature embryos (28 weeks after pollination) were inoculated on M (Mitra et al., 1976), and PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) media, with and without different growth additives. The seeds showed positive germination response in both the nutrient media but the frequency and onset of germination response and associated morphogenetic changes leading to seedling development varied with the nature of growth stimulus. In basal M medium, about 40.75±0.75% seeds germinated, while in basal PDA medium, 21.25±1.25% seeds reacted positively to germination (P<5%). M medium supplemented with coconut water (CW) (15%), supported early and highest germination (70.75±0.75%) and induced protocorm multiplication; complete seedlings were obtained in 131.50±1.73 days. Additional presence of activated charcoal (AC) (0.2%) in the PDA medium inhibited the seed germination, while use of CW (15%) or yeast extract (YE) (2 g/L) in the medium, favoured enhanced and early germination response and differentiation of protocorms. YE, favored development of profusely hairy protocorms formation and healthy seedlings were obtained within 176.25±1.25 days.Keywords: Acampe papillosa, immature embryos, in vitro asymbiotic germination, protocormsAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(2), pp. 162-16