Experts from the Institute of Applied Technology have successfully propagated two rare orchid species: Paphiopedilum hangianum (endemic to Vietnam) and Paphiopedilum gratrixianum (endemic to Indochina) using a seed germination method in vitro.
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Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Xuyen Nhu (Photo: VNN) |
This breakthrough not only contributes to the conservation of rare orchid species that are in a state of decline but also holds high economic value for Vietnam’s orchid export sector.
Currently, the Paphiopedilum hangianum and Paphiopedilum gratrixianum species are becoming increasingly rare in Vietnam’s natural habitats. Therefore, researching the propagation of these orchids is both a task and a duty for Vietnamese scientists.
However, germinating seeds from Paphiopedilum hangianum and Paphiopedilum gratrixianum is not straightforward, as these species are very difficult to propagate.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Xuyen Nhu from the Institute of Applied Technology, the seeds of these orchids are very small, measuring around one to two millimeters in length and one millimeter in width, containing very little or almost no stored nutrients, which creates challenges for seed germination.
As a result, if seeds are sown outside of a test tube, in a normal soil environment, they are easily lost and struggle to grow.
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Paphiopedilum hangianum (Photo: eorchids.org) |
After many unsuccessful attempts, the research team from the Institute of Applied Technology persevered and experimented with various environments to find the optimal conditions for each species, aiming for the highest germination rates.
From this research, the team established a propagation process for the two orchid species using the in vitro seed sowing method.
Additionally, they discovered a method for separating shoots as a supplementary measure for propagating Paphiopedilum hangianum and Paphiopedilum gratrixianum. Furthermore, scientists have successfully initiated research on cultivating these seedlings in nurseries.
The aforementioned success opens up prospects for the propagation and eventual cultivation of Paphiopedilum hangianum and Paphiopedilum gratrixianum seedlings in conservation areas before reintroducing them into their natural habitats. Moreover, this represents a significant opportunity for Vietnam’s orchid export industry, as in 2003, gardeners in Taiwan exported nearly 100,000 orchid seedlings, generating revenue of 1.1 million dollars.
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Paphiopedilum gratrixianum flowers naturally from October to December. They thrive on rocky slopes at altitudes of 900-1,100 meters above sea level. | Paphiopedilum hangianum flowers naturally from April to May. This species typically lives in moss-covered crevices on limestone mountains at altitudes of approximately 450-750 meters in northern Vietnam. |
