The Viability of Anacamptis Laxiflora (Orchidaceae) Seeds and the Symbiotic Germination

Abstract

The orchids are in danger of extinction due to the destruction of their habitats and uncontrolled collection. The most effective way of protecting plants’ gene resources against these gradually increasing threats is seed banks. A viability test was conducted with two different scarification methods for Anacamptis laxiflora (Lam.) seeds preserved at 4 °C since 1988. The seeds were exposed to 5% Ca(ClO)<inf>2</inf> at different periods in the year they were collected (1988) and seed coats were scarified. They were washed with sterile water, incubated for 12 h in TZ in the dark at 28 °C. Seeds with red stained embryos were evaluated as viable. Since the highest live seed rate (62%) was obtained in 8 h of 5% Ca(ClO)<inf>2</inf> application, this period was applied in 20th and 30th years. In addition, in the 30th year, the seeds were incubated in moisturized cocopeats for 5 days and then the viability test was conducted with TZ. The viability rate of embryo containing seeds was 81,63%. Seeds inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani AG A were germinated at a rate of 91.16%. Seed packages were buried in their habitats and it was found that the seeds died completely two years after they were buried. © 2019 Societá Botanica Italiana.