Nutrition of tissue-cultured plants of dendrobium sonia-17

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evolve the nutrient dosage combination which will produce maximum vegetative growth of tissue-cultured and ex vitro established Dendrobium Sonia - 17 plants. The experiment was conducted from October 1997 to June 1998. The varying nutrient dosages selected were 2.0, 6.0 and 10.0 mg of N, P and K at different combinations.

Nitrogen at 6.0 mg per plant increased the plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of back bulbs and length of roots. Up to 90 DAP 2.0 mg of N found to increase the stem girth and after that 6.0 mg found to be favourable. Number of roots was greater with 2.0 mg of N. Phosphorus had less influence on growth. 6.0 mg of P increases the stem girth and number of back bulbs at early stages. 2.0 mg of potassium had influence on the plant height, number of leaves, number of backbulbs and number of roots. Interaction between the nutrient were also observed.

6.0 mg of N and P influenced the fresh weight and 10.0 mg of N and P the dry weight. The nutrient composition of the plants was enhanced by 10.0 mg of N, 6.0 mg of P and 10.0 mg of K.

Based on the observed effects of nutrition on Dendrobium Sonia - 17 plants, a nutrient dosage of2.0 mg each of N, P and K from three to six months age of ex vitro stage, 6.0, 2.0 and 2.0 mg of N, P and K from six to nine months age, 6.0 mg of N, 2.0 to 6.0 mg of P and 2.0 mg of K from nine to twelve months age can be recommended. F or plants above one year age a dosage of 6.0, 6.0 and 2.0 mg of N, P and K can be recommended for maximum vegitative growth.