Traditional Knowledge of NE people on conservation of wild orchids

11-16The paper describes the information of the traditional knowledge of the people of Northeastern region to conserve the valuable wild orchid germplasm. Northeastern region of our country is the traditional home of near about 876 orchid species in 151 genera of which many species are economically important for their ornamental and medicinal values. The people of this region have a tradition of conservation of wild orchids in nature based on various religious beliefs and herbal healthcare

Developmental variation in floral volatiles composition of a fragrant orchid <i>Zygopetalum maculatum</i> (Kunth) Garay

<p>Emitted scent volatile profile of an orchid species <i>Zygopetalum maculatum</i> was studied using dynamic headspace sampling technique with four different adsorbent matrices, namely Porapak Type Q polymer (mesh size: 80/100), Tenax (mesh size: 60/80), activated charcoal and graphite. In addition, developmental variations in scent emissions and endogenous volatile levels were also investigated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 21 volatile compounds in the headspace, which was predominantly enriched with benzenoid compounds. Among these benzenoids, <i>o</i>-diethylbenzene and <i>p</i>-diethylbenzene were the major compounds followed by benzyl acetate and methyl salicylate. Among the phenylpropanoid compounds, 2-phenylethyl acetate was the major volatile. However, as compared to benzenoids, the quantity was much lesser, indicating the inclination of phenylalanine flux towards benzenoid pathway. The outcome of this study has the implications in enhancing fragrance and vase life of orchids of the Sikkim Himalaya region and thus may further help to meet the growing market demand.</p

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Not AvailableOrchids are one of the highly commercial crops in floriculture sector and are robustly exploited due to the high ornamental and economic value. ICAR-NRC for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim, India, majorly focused on collection, characterization, evaluation, conservation and utilization of genetic resources available in the country particularly in north-eastern region and developed a National repository of orchids. From 1996 to till date, several exploration programmes carried across the country and a total of 351 species under 94 genera was collected and conserved at this institute. Among the collections, 205 species were categorized as threatened species, followed by 90 species having breeding value, 87 species which are used in traditional medicine, 77 species having fragrance and 11 species were used in traditional dietary. Successful DNA bank of 260 species was constructed for future utilization in various research works. The collected orchid germplasm which includes native orchids was successfully utilized in breeding programme for development of novel varieties and hybrids. This paper aims that the status of collection and conservation, utilization of indigenous orchid germplasm resources at this institute reflecting ITPGRFA and CBD guidelines.Not Availabl