From "The Daily Star" of Bangladesh

Orchid export is in sight
BAU scientist evolves method for commercial production
Our Correspondent, Mymensingh

The Department of Biotechnology of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)
has developed a technology for commercial production of orchid plants,
opening up a prospect for their export.
Dr Khondoker M Nasiruddin, Head of Department of Biotec-hnology, told The
Dality Star that his department has evolved seven varieties of orchid
seedlings from seed and leaf tissues.

These are Dendrobium, Vanda, Phaiues, Phaelanopsis, Aeredis, Rhynchostylis,
Cymbidium and Arundina.


Now, orchid seedlings are normally purchased from Thailand at Tk 35 per
piece, which can be reduced to Tk 5, he said.

Normally, orchids are grown both through vegetative means and seed breeding.

But seeds contain a very minute quantity of stored food and so there is less
possibility of their germination in natural atmosphere.

Using the traditional vegetative method of propagation, only three or four
plants can he produced in a year.

The new technology is called micropropagation, in which vitro seed culture,
leaf culture and internode culture are used.

Tiny orchid seeds are placed on tissues for nourishment. After several days,
these germinate. These are re-cultured with hormone.


Dr Nasiruddin said standardisation of the varieties is near completion at
BAU laboratories.

Several big nurseries trading in orchid have contacted them for orchid
seedlings, he said.


If commercially produced, orchids can be exported, he said.


BAU Vice-chancellor Prof Dr M Amirul Islam recently handed over the first
consignment of Dendrobium orchid seedlings to Micro Orchids and Plants of
Savar. About 95 per cent of the seedlings survived, he said.



---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.654 / Virus Database: 419 - Release Date: 06.04.04