[OGD] Orchid seed viability
Wagner Vendrame and coworkers at the University of Florida in Homestead http://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/vendrame/index.htm are doing research on cryopreservation of orchid seed and pollen at liquid nitrogen temperatures. They have recently published some papers on these topics: Vendrame, W.A., V.S. Carvalho, J.M.M. Dias, and I. Maguire. 2008. Pollination of Dendrobium Hybrids using Cryopreserved Pollen, HortScience 43(1): 264-267 . Vendrame, W.A., V.S. Carvalho, I. Maguire and J.M.M. Dias. 2007. In vitro germination and plant regeneration of cryopreserved Dendrobium hybrid mature seeds, Scientia Horticulturae 114:188-193. I recently sent them a large batch of Stanhopea seed, which has notoriously short viability under typical storage conditions. They are trying various storage techniques to see if Stanhopeinae are amenable to storage under liquid nitrogen conditions. It seems to me that any serious seed banking effort needs to move towards this type of technology, rather than storing seeds at 4 C. If seeds can tolerate the cryopreservation/thawing proceedures, storage at liquid nitrogen temperatures renders the seed essentially immortal, with little or no loss in viability. And since orchid seeds are so small, they are relatively cost-effective to store in liquid nitrogen relative to other plants with larger seeds. Mark Whitten Florida Museum of Natural History ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Orchid Seed Viability
Harvey, Orchid seeds when released from the capsule have a moisture content too high for long term storage. Even when stored at a temperature of 5C, viability rapidly decreases. The optimum seed moisture content for long term storage, maintaining viability, is 5 to 6 %, obtained through a very specific drying process. Dried seeds are stored in small air tight containers at 41 F (fridge door) Please contact by e-mail for more details. Peter >Harvey who wrote: > These seeds are stored at about -80C, I believe. >We have had no success in germinating orchid seeds >that have been stored at this temperature. >Does anyone out there know of any work done with orchid seed viability, >particularly long-term and/or of seeds stored at very low temps? ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Orchid seed viability
One of the roles of my place of employment (Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden) is to be a seed bank for California natives. These seeds are stored at about -80C, I believe. We have had no success in germinating orchid seeds that have been stored at this temperature. Does anyone out there know of any work done with orchid seed viability, particularly long-term and/or of seeds stored at very low temps? Thanks! Harvey Brenneise Another warm, sunny day in Southern California. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
