Types of media for stem propagation

[AAWilliams]

Hi,

I am a student in urban horticulture at ASU Poly in Phoenix. In order to graduate I need to do a research project.

I would like to do stem propagation of Phalaenopsis orchids using different types of media to determine what works best and why.

The orchid source has media specifically for stem propagation of Phalaenopsis orchids. I would use that as a the control. The second test would be using the same media with keiki paste (?) and the third would use something else that is unknown at this time (any suggestions would be appreciated).

Does this sound like a reasonable experiment, are there other types of media or propagation methods that would work better? Not having done this before I am open to any and all suggestions. The only caveat is that the experiment can only last sixteen weeks (the length of a semester) as I hope to graduate when this is over.

Thanks in advance for everyones guidance
AAWilliams

[priz_m]

Hi AAWilliams, welcome to the OB!

While I am no expert on stem propagation, I have come across the followint website that exposes 2 or 3 different types of node culture

Lotte & Thomas Orchids

There's also this one that actually sells a kit to do so

Plant Growth Research & Development | PhytoTechnology Laboratories

or

Kitchen Culture Kits - SIVB Poster

Now, I've never attempted any of the above, should you do so, I'd love to know the end result.

[newflasker]

If you want to study about the stem propagation of Phalaenopsis then media maybe not the issue but the amount of hormone may. Many people use standard MS or ½ MS with or without hormone. The amount of hormone controls the number of shoot, how strong the shoot and later root you may get. That is the issue. Some hormone you may try: cytokinin (BA, TDZ,…), auxin (NAA, IBA,…) and coconut water. I try 10% coconut water, and try 1mg/l BA + 0.1mg/l NAA (most people use) and they work. Try to change the amount and combination of BA, TDZ, NAA, and IBA… Remember that too much cytokinin may not give any shoot, or may give you many shoots but then later it’s hard to get root. Moreover, too much cytokinin may cause the phenolic issue (media turn brown/black and kill stem).

Keiki paste (is not medium) is used to put at the node of stem to produce keiki. Normally it makes of lanolin with strong BA (500mg/l if I remember correct) or adenine. Search keiki paste at the phytotech for more information.
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