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Coelogyne suaveolens has been used as a traditional medicine for many years, and its potential as a natural source of antibacterial agents is of great interest. This investigation aimed to identify the bioactive compounds in the plant extract and assess their antibacterial properties. To achieve this, we identified the bioactive compounds using Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis on the extract's ethyl acetate fraction and used the disc diffusion method to determine the antibacterial effect. Additionally, molecular docking were performed to predict the binding affinities of selected phytochemicals against specific proteins in order to identify the root cause of bacterial inhibition. Our results revealed that the extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are common and problematic pathogens. Furthermore, molecular docking studies identified eight best-selected compounds, of which {androstan-17-one, oxime, (5.alpha.)-}, diethofencarb, tetraconazole, {3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran}, and geranyl acetate showed a significant binding affinity with best binding interaction with the target enzymes. This suggests that binding to these specific proteins might lead to the mechanism of action of the evaluated antibacterial action. In conclusion, the present study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on natural antimicrobial agents and could have significant implications for the development of new and effective antibacterial agents.

The study focuses on two Indonesia Dendrobium varieties, D. Dian Agrihorti (DDA) and D. Syifa Agrihorti (DSA), which have potential to be commercialized, but face limitations on the availability of qualified seedlings sustainably. The research aimed to establish an in vitro propagation protocol using a Temporary Immersion System (TIS) to produce high-quality seedlings efficiently. Various factors, including varieties, media, plant growth regulators, anti-phenol compounds, organic additives, and TIS settings, were investigated using the basal part of the plantlet as the explant source. Key findings revealed that DDA outperformed DSA across all observed variables. In the initiation phase, basal plantlets cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1 thidiazuron and 0.5 mg L-1 N-6 benzylaminopurine enhanced embryogenic callus (EC) formation, with a 13.5-day initiation period, 72% potential explant growth, 0.41 cm callus size, and a 3.45 rate of multiplication. During the proliferation stage, the addition of 150 mg L-1 ascorbic acid (AC) and the application of a TIS with a 30-minute dry period and a 15-minute wet period resulted in a 515.5% increase in EC fresh weight for DDA accompanied by a 6.16 multiplication rate. Regeneration of shoots was achieved using a Vacin and Went medium with 150 g L-1 banana extract, yielding 29.2 shoots per clump. Subsequent rooting of the shoots in 2 g L-1 Hyponex® medium with 20 g L-1 sugar and 2% AC proved successful. Acclimatization of plantlets with Cycas rumpii bulk demonstrated a 100% survivability rate. The established propagation protocol for DDA holds significant potential for application to other Dendrobium varieties, offering a sustainable and efficient method for meeting commercial demands in the Indonesian market.

Fluorinated cytokinins have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional cytokinins in Phalaenopsis plant tissue culture, offering enhanced stability and bioactivity. However, their metabolic fate and impact on endogenous cytokinin profiles remain largely unexplored. This study builds upon previous research to investigate the comparative metabolism of the traditional cytokinin 6-Benzylaminopurine (BA) with the successful alternatives 6-(3-fluorobenzylamino)purine (FmT) and 6-(3-fluorobenzylamino)purine 9-riboside (FmTR). Additionally, this study examines the impact of another crucial factor, the use of ventilated versus closed containers, on metabolic processes. The results revealed the distinct metabolic profiles associated with each treatment, highlighting the complex interplay between exogenous and endogenous cytokinin levels. This study is the first to investigate the effects of these stable, synthetic, and exogenous cytokinins on the naturally occurring cytokinin levels and their metabolites in micropropagated Phalaenopsis. Additionally, we proposed an alternative inactivation pathway involving the conversion of FmTR and BA to pT and pTR. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between cytokinin metabolism and plant growth under in vitro conditions.

Orchids of the genus Paphiopedilum, also called slippers, are among the most valued representatives of the Orchidaceae family due to their aesthetic qualities. Due to overexploitation, deforestation, and illegal trade in these plants, especially in the vegetative phase, Paphiopedilum requires special protection. This genus is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Their precise identification is of great importance for the preservation of genetic resources and biodiversity of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). Therefore, the main objective of the study was to investigate the usefulness of the DNA barcoding technique for the identification of endangered orchids of the genus Paphiopedilum and to determine the effectiveness of five loci: matK, rbcL, ITS2, atpF-atpH and trnH-psbA as potential molecular markers for species of this genus. Among single locus barcodes, matK was the most effective at identifying species (64%). Furthermore, matK, ITS2, matK + rbcL, and matK + trnH-psbA barcodes can be successfully used as a complementary tool to identify Paphiopedilum orchids while supporting morphological data provided by taxonomists.

Pollination by sexual deception specifically attracts male insects, through the floral scent and particular morphological features of the flower that serve as visual and tactile stimuli. The unique bond between the Ophrys speculum orchid and the male Dasyscolia ciliata wasp primarily stems from a few distinctive semiochemicals that mimic the female wasp’s sex pheromone, although the floral scent comprises a variety of compounds. An osmophore producing highly volatile compounds has been documented in four close relatives of O. speculum and is now being also investigated in this species. Given the existing debates regarding the structure of the labellum and stigmatic cavity in O. speculum, this study details their micromorphology. Additionally, comparisons of O. speculum flowers and female D. ciliata wasps under stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy are conducted to seek new evidence of visual and tactile mimicry. The findings confirm that (i) an osmophore is present at the apical margin of the labellum in O. speculum flowers; (ii) the labellum features a distinct basal field homologous to those found in other Ophrys species; and (iii) the basal labellum region closely mimics the female wasp’s thorax and wings. The implications of these novel floral features are discussed within an evolutionary context.

Abstract Background Cymbidium aloifolium is a popular ornamental flower in Thailand with both economic and medical values. Polyploid induction techniques are used to improve plant quality. This study identified polyploidy levels of C. aloifolium induction by colchicine. Protocorms of C. aloifolium were treated on solid New Dogashima Medium (NDM) with various concentrations of colchicine (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05% w/v) for 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Results Colchicine effectively induced plant polyploidy. Tetraploid plants were found after treatment with 0.03% and 0.04% colchicine for 8 weeks, while at increased concentration and duration, survival, response and growth performance decreased. Tetraploid plants showed the lowest growth performance but highest size of stomatal and epidermal cells. Growth performance and leaf surface anatomy data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation and PCA. Results showed that stomatal and epidermal cell sizes had strongly negative correlations with other variables, while HCA revealed that stomatal and epidermal cell sizes of tetraploid plantlets were larger but stomatal and epidermal cell densities decreased when compared with the diploids. Conclusion Colchicine at suitable concentrations and duration produced polyploid plants with alteration of morphological and anatomical traits. This study provides potential information to support orchid quality production as ornamental plants and a source of pharmaceutical raw materials.

Agricultural businesses are often faced with uncertainty about the future, which can be both an opportunity and a threat to business development. This study aims to formulate a strategic foresight for business development at the Indonesian Orchid Association (IOA) West Java, Indonesia. Data collection was carried out using interview techniques and a literature study. Respondents were selected using a purposive sampling consisting of 18 business actors in IOA West Java, 2 employees of the Department of Food Crops and Horticulture West Java, and 1 BRIN researcher. The business development is planned with strategic foresight. The result showed that the driving factors that most influence businesses are the role of IOA West Java and the application of tissue culture technology. Strategic foresight for the next 5 years is focused on increasing farmer competence, applying tissue culture technology, and building market certainty, for the next 10 years, it is focused on meeting domestic demand for orchids by at least 50%, and for the next 15 years, it is focused on business continuity and increasing competitiveness.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical and sensory profile, as well as the acceptability, of Brazilian vanilla species. The evaluated vanilla species were Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla chamissonis, Vanilla bahiana, and Vanilla pompona. For this, the optimized descriptive profile methodology, consumer acceptance tests with extracts applied to teas and creams, and the analysis of mass spectrometry by gas chromatography were used. Volatile compounds, such as vanillin, anisyl acetate, 4-methyl guaiacol, p-cresol, benzyl alcohol, and 2,3-butanediol, were identified. The species V. planifolia and V. pompona exhibited a more intense vanilla aroma, floral aroma, fruity aroma, vanilla flavor, brown color, and sweet taste. In addition, V. bahiana showed a more intense woody attribute, while V. chamissonis showed less intense attributes. Vanilla tea from V. pompona had a better consumer acceptance. However, when the vanillas were applied to creams, there was an acceptance rate of over 80% of all samples. Brazilian native vanillas have different sensory and volatile profiles, besides potential for a high acceptance by consumers.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are worthy of attention and development for nutritional supplementation due to their health benefits in both animals and humans with low toxicity, improved bioavailability, and controlled release, being greater than the Se inorganic and organic forms. Our previous study reported that Anoectochilus burmannicus extract (ABE)-synthesized SeNPs (ABE-SeNPs) exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, ABE could stabilize and preserve the biological activities of SeNPs. To promote the ABE-SeNPs as supplementary and functional foods, it was necessary to carry out a safety assessment. Cytotoxicity testing showed that SeNPs and ABE-SeNPs were harmless with no killing effect on Caco2 (intestinal epithelial cells), MRC-5 (lung fibroblasts), HEK293 (kidney cells), LX-2 (hepatic stellate cells), and 3T3-L1 (adipocytes), and were not toxic to isolated human PBMCs and RBCs. Genotoxicity assessments found that SeNPs and ABE-SeNPs did not induce mutations in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 (Ames test) as well as in Drosophila melanogaster (somatic mutation and recombination test). Noticeably, ABE-SeNPs inhibited mutation in TA98 and TA100 induced by AF-2, and in Drosophila induced by urethane, ethyl methanesulfonate, and mitomycin c, suggesting their anti-mutagenicity ability. This study provides data that support the safety and anti-genotoxicity properties of ABE-SeNPs for the further development of SeNPs-based food supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft rot disease in orchid plants is a factor in decreasing orchid production. One way of biological control that has the potential to spur growth is to utilize endophytic bacteria. This study aims to describe the diversity of orchid endophytic bacteria that have the potential as growth promoters and biocontrol agents. Observation parameters include indole acetic acid (IAA) production, inorganic phosphate dissolution, ammonia production of orchid endophytic bacteria, and antagonism of endophytic bacteria to pathogenic bacteria that cause soft rot in vitro. The diversity of orchid endophytic bacteria was analyzed using rep-PCR with BOX-A1R primer. The results showed that 10 isolates of orchid endophytic bacteria were able to produce IAA with a concentration of 79–321 μg/mL, able to dissolve phosphate, and produce ammonia. In antagonism testing against soft rot-causing bacteria, all isolates were able to form an inhibitory zone with a diameter of 3–7.2 cm. Furthermore, diversity analysis using rep-PCR showed that isolates of endophytic bacteria DnPh5, BgCt2, BgVt10, DnLp7, DnBl1, and DnAr4 had a uniform DNA band pattern so that they were grouped together. Meanwhile, isolates of TbPh7, IbtPhm1, DnDr2, and AkOc1 showed different DNA band patterns, indicating that the four isolates were different species or subspecies of bacteria. In dendrogram analysis, DnPh5, BgCt2, BgVt10, DnLp7, DnBl1, and DnAr4 isolates have a similarity of 100%. The similarity of isolates IbtPhm1, DnDr2, and AkOc1 was 90%, 79%, and 68%, respectively, against the other six isolates. TbPh7 isolate is an isolate with a low level of similarity to other isolates, which is about 51%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rotavirus vaccines have reduced effectiveness in high-mortality settings. Interference between enteric viruses and live-attenuated oral vaccine strains may be a factor. Methods In a birth cohort of healthy Australian infants, parents collected weekly stool samples. Three hundred eighty-one paired swabs collected within 10-days of RotaTeq vaccination from 140 infants were tested for 10 enteric viruses and RotaTeq strains. Results Collectively, both ribonucleic acid and deoxyribonucleic acid viruses were negatively associated with RotaTeq shedding (adjusted odds ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.14–0.58 and adjusted odds ratio = 0.30, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.78, respectively). Conclusions Enteric viruses may interfere with RotaTeq replication in the gut and thus RotaTeq stool shedding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides information on the incidence of various viruses, such as Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CYMV), Odontoglossum Ring Spot Virus (ORSV), Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), Potex Virus, and Poty Virus, in Dendrobium orchids. The study reveals that CYMV is the most common virus found in Dendrobium orchids. The research utilized techniques like Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and transmission electron microscopy to detect and confirm the presence of these viruses. The article also highlights the importance of testing orchids from other countries before introducing them to India. Additionally, the text includes three sources that discuss the cloning of genes from infected orchids, the coexistence of different viruses on hot pepper plants, and the global orchid market, providing valuable information for researchers interested in plant viruses and the orchid industry. [Extracted from the article]

Orchid plants develop protocorms upon germination and produce protocorm‐like structures called protocorm‐like bodies (PLBs) from protocorms and somatic cells via tissue culture. Protocorm‐like bodies have broad technical application potential in the orchid industry and their regeneration is a distinct developmental process in the plant kingdom. However, little is known about this unparalleled developmental program. In this study, we identified a PLB‐abundant gene, ethylene response factor (ERF), and a transcription factor named DoERF5, and determined its important role in PLB regeneration in Dendrobium orchid. Overexpression of DoERF5 in Dendrobium greatly enhanced the PLB regeneration from PLB and stem explants, and upregulated the expression of WOUND‐INDUCED DEDIFFERENTIATION (DoWIND) homologs and SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (DoSTM), as well as the genes involved in cytokinin biosynthesis (DoIPT) and the cytokinin response factors (DoARRs). However, silencing DoERF5 reduced the regeneration rate of PLBs, and downregulated the expression of DoWIND homologs, DoSTM and DoARRs. We demonstrated that DoERF5 is directly bound to the DoSTM promoter and regulates its expression. In addition, overexpression of DoSTM in Dendrobium orchid resulted in favorable regeneration of PLBs. Our results clarify that DoERF5 regulates the regeneration of PLB by enhancing DoSTM expression. Our findings provide new insights into how DoERF5 mediates PLB regeneration and offers technical potential in improving clonal propagation, preservation, and the bioengineering of orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intergeneric and interspecific hybridization has been employed for the breeding of Phalaenopsis to transfer desirable traits between species, producing novel phenotypes with improved size, color, form, and flower-bearing ability. These characteristics are often enhanced; however, many of these hybrids are triploids and have reduced or complete sterility, for example, Phalaenopsis Queen Beer 'Mantefon', an important novelty-type cultivar in Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Republic of Korea. Despite the increasing demand for the crop for ornamental purposes, little is known about its cytogenetics, which is essential for breeding and, consequently, crop improvement. In this study, karyotyping using fluorescence in situ hybridization, meiotic chromosome behavior analysis, pollen staining, and in vitro viability germination tests were performed to understand the cause of hybrid sterility and pollen abnormality in Phalaenopsis Queen Beer 'Mantefon' from a cytogenetic perspective. Viability tests revealed pollen infertility at all flower developmental stages, confirmed by the absence of pollen tube growth. Aberrant chromosomal behavior was observed in pollen mother cells (PMCs), frequently forming univalents, chromosomal bridges, and laggards during the entire meiotic process. PMCs were also divided irregularly into sporads with varying numbers of micronuclei, which may be responsible for pollen sterility in this cultivar. Altogether, the cytogenetic analyses provided insights into the pollen development of Phalaenopsis Queen Beer 'Mantefon' and the conceivable causes of its infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rescue program was made to save orchid plants in Selangit Village by initiating and involving the community. This activity began in 2017 and now, more than 250 species of orchid plants have been successfully rescued. The decline of some species of orchid plants are due to many factors, such as the endemic nature, forest fire, illegal logging, and illegal sales by collector can be an accelerator of their extinction. This activity can be a trigger to increase insight and ideas for the government and local community in developing natural areas. Working together between PT. Pertamina EP Pendopo Field and South Sumatera Natural Resources Conservation Center to build the Selangit Greenhouse aims to save orchid plants and can be an education facility for educators and learners. Next, this program advised to development of tourist village destinations by increasing training and promotion activities of flora tourism activities, and can be sustainable social activity in rescuing orchids and rare plants in Selangit village. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Vanilla planifolia is the most widely cultivated species of vanilla with high economic importance. However, seed germination under artificial conditions is difficult and yields low germination percentages. The seeds are adapted to endozoochorous dispersal, and we therefore tried to simulate the conditions in the digestive tract by acid scarification of seeds. Results Immature seeds lacking dormancy, used as a control, showed the highest germination percentage. Among the treatments tested for mature seeds, the hydrochloric acid treatments were significantly the best in breaking dormancy and inducing germination, irrespective of the acid concentration and the presence of pepsin. Conventional treatment with a hypochlorite solution induced much lower germination percentage. Sulphuric acid at concentration 50% was too strong and caused damage to the seeds. Important factor is also high cultivation temperature 30 °C as there was nearly no germination at 25 °C. Conclusions Our protocol significantly improves the efficiency of generative propagation of vanilla and allows for significantly higher germination percentages than previously described. The strongly positive effect of hydrochloric acid may be related to the adaptation of seeds to endozoochorous dispersal.

Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) and Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV) are among the world’s most serious and widespread orchid viruses; they often infect orchids, causing devastating losses to the orchid industry. Therefore, it is critical to establish a method that can rapidly and accurately detect viruses in the field using simple instruments, which will largely reduce the further spread of viruses and improve the quality of the orchid industry and is suitable for mass promotion and application at grassroots agrotechnical service points. In this investigation, we established a rapid amplification method for virus detection at 39 °C for 35 min to detect the presence of CymMV and ORSV simultaneously, sensitively, and specifically in orchids. Primers for the capsid protein (CP)-encoding genes of both viruses were designed and screened, and the reaction conditions were optimized. The experimental amplification process was completed in just 35 min at 39 °C. There were no instances of nonspecific amplification observed when nine other viruses were present. The RPA approach had detection limits of 104 and 103 copies for pMD19T-CymMV and pMD19T-ORSV, respectively. Moreover, the duplex RT-RPA investigation confirmed sensitivity and accuracy via a comparison of detection results from 20 field samples with those of a gene chip. This study presents a precise and reliable detection method for CymMV and ORSV using RT-RPA. The results demonstrate the potential of this method for rapid virus detection. It is evident that this method could have practical applications in virus detection processes.

AREB/ABF (ABA response element binding) proteins in plants are essential for stress responses, while our understanding of AREB/ABFs from orchid species, important traditional medicinal and ornamental plants, is limited. Here, twelve AREB/ABF genes were identified within three orchids’ complete genomes and classified into three groups through phylogenetic analysis, which was further supported with a combined analysis of their conserved motifs and gene structures. The cis-element analysis revealed that hormone response elements as well as light and stress response elements were widely rich in the AREB/ABFs. A prediction analysis of the orchid ABRE/ABF-mediated regulatory network was further constructed through cis-regulatory element (CRE) analysis of their promoter regions. And it revealed that several dominant transcriptional factor (TF) gene families were abundant as potential regulators of these orchid AREB/ABFs. Expression profile analysis using public transcriptomic data suggested that most AREB/ABF genes have distinct tissue-specific expression patterns in orchid plants. Additionally, DcaABI5 as a homolog of ABA INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5) from Arabidopsis was selected for further analysis. The results showed that transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing DcaABI5 could rescue the ABA-insensitive phenotype in the mutant abi5. Collectively, these findings will provide valuable information on AREB/ABF genes in orchids.

Flowering time is central to plant reproductive success and is significantly influenced by the time of floral bud differentiation and development. Pleione species flower in either spring or autumn; however, the mechanisms underlying floral bud differentiation and development are yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the floral bud development of three spring-flowering species and three autumn-flowering species using continuous anatomical observations. The renewed shoots grew on the side of the old pseudobulb after the fade of a previous flower, after which a new pseudobulb with 1–3 buds slowly formed at the base of the renewed shoot. For both spring-flowering and autumn-flowering species, the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth occurred in June, and flower differentiation was completed in August. The autumn-flowering species bloomed immediately after the completion of flower bud development, while the spring-flowering species went through six months of dormancy; thus, the time requirement from floral bud initiation to flowering was longer in the spring-flowering species than in the autumn-flowering species (∼ 270 days vs. ∼ 90 days, respectively). The dormancy time of the spring-flowering species, rather than the initiation or duration of floral bud development, was the reason for their differing flowering times. Shift of flowering from autumn to spring probably related to the evolution of Pleione from subtropical areas to higher elevations. These findings will be helpful in breeding new varieties and for the regulation of flowering time in horticultural production, and will enhance our understanding of the evolution of flowering time for closely related species.

Orchidaceae are diverse plants whose bioactive compounds have various biological activities. New hybrids of Dendrobium have been generated to gain characteristics shared with their ancestors. Dendrobium Pearl Vera (designated as DH) is derived from parents used for dermatological treatments and cosmetics. However, the phytoconstituents and biological properties of DH have not been reported. The current study investigated extracts from DH plants using four solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, or 2-propanol). The propanolic extract (DH-P) contained the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with a high scavenging performance for free radicals. In total, 25 tentative constituents in the DH-P matrix were identified, consisting of amino acids, nucleotides, and three types of secondary metabolites: furan, phenolics, and alkaloids. The DH-P inhibited human tyrosinase in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner of the phenolic content. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between DH-P with 10 μg/ml phenolic content and 0.75 mM kojic acid (a commercial whitening agent) on the inhibition of human tyrosinase. Incubation with DH-P containing at least 15 μg/ml phenolic content greatly inhibited the proliferation of human melanoma; however, the cell viability was not affected by the phenolic content at 5 μg/ml or less. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the phenolic content in DH-P on melanoma viability was 12.90 ± 1.04 μg/ml. Melanin production in vivo by human melanoma incubated with 5 μg/ml phenolic content in DH-P was reduced significantly, compared to 2.5 μg/ml phenolic content in DH-P, 100 μg/ml arbutin, and in control. The identified components, including 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, acetophenone, cytidine, adenosine, proline, or valine, have been reported to be associated with depigmentation, antioxidant, and anticancer. This research revealed, for the first time, the tentative phytoconstituents of Dendrobium Pearl Vera and their biological activities, thus demonstrating the potential use of DH-P in dermal applications.

Trichopilia suavis is one of the important representatives of the genus Trichopilia, which can be used as a potted plant for the interior design. also, its beautiful inflorescences are added unusual element to bouquet compositions and actively used in the production of perfumes. This study was carried out in order to develop and improve micropropagation method for mass clonal production of T. suavis through protocorm culture. Half-strength Murashige and Skoog culture medium (½) has been modified by adding different organic components and growth regulators. The protocorms obtained from seeds germinated by asymbiotic method were used as explants. The results showed that the optimal treatment for formation of new protocorms (7.50 ± 0.7 units per protocorm) was obtained by culture on ½ MS medium with 0.5 mg L-1 of 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and 100 mL L-1 of coconut water. At the stage of rooting, the highest number and length of roots (7.0 ± 0.45 units per plantlet, 2.64 ± 0.18 cm) were obtained through subsequent cultivation of plantlets on ½ MS medium with 0.5 mg L-1 indolyl-3-butyric acid (IBA), 1.0 g L-1 charcoal with the addition of 50 g L-1 of banana puree. The obtained seedlings were successfully adapted in a substrate consisting of bark, perlite and peat in a ratio of 1:1:1.

Abstract In the present study we propose a new Catasetum taxon belonging to the group of species with symmetrical and converging antennae. It was found in a vegetation of “terra firme” and “campinarana” in the central Brazilian Amazon. A detailed description of the taxon is given as well as a photograph plate and comments relating to distribution, habitat, phenology and conservation status. It is compared to C. rivularium and C. barbatum which are sympatric species and somewhat similar to the new taxon. Furthermore, we present a key to Catasetum species with symmetrical and convergent antennae occurring in the Brazilian Amazon.

An enumeration of the genus Dendrobium Sw. (Orchidaceae) in Manipur, India was attempted. Literature review revealed the occurrence of 67 species under the genus from the state. The study was carried out through repeated field explorations in different natural forests of Manipur since 2012. Out of the total taxa reported from the state, only 42 species could be traced in the field. All these taxa are presented here with their flowering phenology and places of occurrence. Twenty-five species were untraceable in the field; however, nine species out of these 25 are represented by authentic herbarium specimens and supported by published documents. The remaining 16 species were reported only in literature, but no live plants or herbarium specimens were found. Out of the 42 species inventoried from the field, many taxa are under threat owing to habitat loss due to felling of trees, deforestation, and 'jhum' cultivation. So, there is an urgent need of conservation of those species through in situ and ex situ means for their sustenance. A photographic plate of some taxa is provided here which might be useful for their easy identification in the field and for taking care of their conservation. Large-scale uses of these species as cut flowers and indoor & outdoor plants may be practised through micropropagation and cultivation in nurseries which may help in revenue generation for the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arabidopsis AGAMOUS (AG) play roles in determining stamens' and carpels' identities, floral meristem determinacy, and repression of the A-function. Gynostemium fused by stamens and carpels is a characteristic reproductive structure in orchid flowers, which shows a considerable difference from the reproductive organs of eudicots and other monocot species. The molecular basis of orchid gynostemium development remains largely unknown. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of two AG-like genes, CyfaAG1 and CyfaAG2, and their promoters from C. faberi. Both CyfaAG1 and CyfaAG2 are highly expressed in the anther cap, gynostemium, and ovary. Ectopic expression of CyfaAG1 and CyfaAG2 promotes early flowering of wild-type Arabidopsis. Moreover, ectopic expression of CyfaAG1 completely rescues floral defects in the Arabidopsis ag-1 mutant, while ectopic expression of CyfaAG2 only completes filament and carpel development. Our findings suggest that CyfaAG1 acts as an evolutionarily conserved C-function gene in determining reproductive organ identity and mediating floral meristem determinacy. CyfaAG2 redundantly mediates the C-function in floral meristem determinacy and gynostemium development. Our results provided more details to understand how the C-class function has been partitioned in orchids, and the roles of two AG orthologs in regulating gynostemium development in C. faberi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of abiotic elicitors in in-vitro culture has provided a useful strategy for the rapid and massive propagation of valuable orchid species. In this research, the effects of different concentrations of melatonin (ML, 0–25 μM), methyl jasmonate (MJ, 0–200 μM), and salicylic acid (SA, 0–200 μM) on the biomass of PLBs, the accumulation of anthocyanin in PLBs and the induction of PLBs from leaf explants of Phalaenopsis pulcherrima in dark and light conditions were investigated. The results showed that adding certain concentrations of ML (1–5 μM), MJ (50–100 μM), and SA (100 μM) increased the fresh and dry weight of PLBs, the induction of PLBs, and the number of PLBs per explant. However, high concentrations of these elicitors caused a negative effect on the growth and reduced induction of PLBs, which indicates their toxicity at high concentrations on P. pulcherrima in in-vitro conditions. For the first time, the accumulation of anthocyanin in PLBs of P. pulcherrima has been reported in this research, and the highest accumulation of anthocyanin was found under high concentrations of ML (10–25 μM), MJ (200 μM), and SA (50–200 μM). The findings of the present research can be considered for creating an improved protocol for the propagation and regeneration of P. pulcherrima as well as a commercial strategy for anthocyanin production from PLBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchis anthropophora (L.) All. (Orchidaceae) is a Mediterranean-Atlantic species distributed around the Mediterranean region and in central and western Europe. During a floristic survey in May 2022, this species was found at the Ravno (Trebimlja) locality (YH35 10×10 km UTM grid cell), which is the first confirmed record of this species on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The population was found in rocky grassland, on limestone, at an altitude of 423 m. Three individuals of O. anthropophora were found within an area of 100 m². Based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, O. anthropophora is estimated as Critically Endangered in Bosnia and Herzegovina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudobulbs are carbohydrate storage organs in Oncidesa. A current pseudobulb forms on a developing vegetative shoot in each growth cycle and it becomes a back pseudobulb when the next vegetative shoot emerges. Both current and back pseudobulbs store carbohydrates, but their functions might differ because the inflorescence emerges from the new (current) shoot after the shoot has developed to a certain stage. This study investigated carbohydrate storage and use in current and back pseudobulbs. We analyzed carbohydrates in the current pseudobulb at five stages during inflorescence development. Glucose and fructose were the highest in the current pseudobulb in the first two stages, when the inflorescence was 10 to 35 cm tall. Then, both glucose and fructose decreased in the following stages to support inflorescence development, but starch increased at that time. In addition, we used Oncidesa with one or two new vegetative shoots to study the use of carbohydrates in pseudobulbs during growth cycles. In both plants with one or two shoots, glucose and fructose accumulated when current pseudobulbs formed, but plants with two new shoots had smaller current pseudobulbs and lower monosaccharide concentrations. Plants with two shoots also consumed more starch in all back pseudobulbs, whereas in the plants with one new shoot, starch only decreased significantly in the first back pseudobulb, which was closer to the new shoot. In addition, if an inflorescence did not develop in the previous growth cycle, new shoots used the monosaccharides that remained in the youngest back pseudobulb for growth; at the same time, starch accumulated in all back pseudobulbs. The current pseudobulb was the actively growing part. Its main carbohydrates were monosaccharides, which accounted for 25% of dry weight and Oncidesa used these carbohydrates mainly for inflorescence growth. After monosaccharides in the pseudobulb were used, the pseudobulb began to store starch. Back pseudobulbs, in which >50% of dry weight was starch, were the primary storage organs that supported new vegetative shoot growth and partly supported later inflorescence development that emerged from the new (current) shoot.

Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) is one of economically important viruses that cause significant losses of orchids in the world. In the present study, a reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) assay combined with a lateral flow immunostrip (LFI) assay was developed for the detection of CymMV in orchid plants. A pair of primers containing fluorescent probes at each terminus that amplifies highly specifically a part of the coat protein gene of CymMV was determined for RT-RPA assay. The RT-RPA assay involved incubation at an isothermal temperature (39°C) and could be performed rapidly within 30 min. In addition, no cross-reactivity was observed to occur with odontoglossum ringspot virus and cymbidium chlorotic mosaic virus. The RT-RPA with LFI assay (RT-RPA-LFI) for CymMV showed 100 times more sensitivity than conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, the RT-PCR-LFI assay demonstrated the simplicity and the rapidity of CymMV detection since the assay did not require any equipment, by comparing results with those of conventional RT-PCR. On-site application of the RT-RPA-LFI assay was validated for the detection of CymMV in field-collected orchids, indicating a simple, rapid, sensitive, and reliable method for detecting CymMV in orchids.

Abstract Containing the largest number of species, the orchid family provides not only materials for studying plant evolution and environmental adaptation, but economically and culturally important ornamental plants for human society. Previously, we collected genome and transcriptome information of Dendrobium catenatum, Phalaenopsis equestris, and Apostasia shenzhenica which belong to two different subfamilies of Orchidaceae, and developed user-friendly tools to explore the orchid genetic sequences in the OrchidBase 4.0. The OrchidBase 4.0 offers the opportunity for plant science community to compare orchid genomes and transcriptomes and retrieve orchid sequences for further study. In the year 2022, two whole-genome sequences of Orchidoideae species, Platanthera zijinensis and Platanthera guangdongensis, were de novo sequenced, assembled and analyzed. In addition, systemic transcriptomes from these two species were also established. Therefore, we included these datasets to develop the new version of OrchidBase 5.0. In addition, three new functions including synteny, gene order, and miRNA information were also developed for orchid genome comparisons and miRNA characterization. OrchidBase 5.0 extended the genetic information to three orchid subfamilies (including five orchid species) and provided new tools for orchid researchers to analyze orchid genomes and transcriptomes. The online resources can be accessed at https://cosbi.ee.ncku.edu.tw/orchidbase5/

Growth monitoring and plant protectionis the major aspect of horticulture because its productivity depends on the health of the plants. Manual direct measurement methods tend to be destructive towards observed plants. In this research, a smart non-contact growth monitoring system was implemented on a chamber with orchid plants asthe objectsobserved. The images of the orchids were taken and became the input of the system to be processed to estimate the height of the plants.The contour of the orchid plant as the object was obtained and the height was calculated based on the highest and the lowest contour.The result shows that the developed system is proven to be capable of measuring orchid’s height in real-time with accuracy more than 95,7%. Thus, this system will effectively help farmers to improve the quality and the quantity of the plant’s productivity.

Grasslands restored on arable land often retain high residual nutrients, modified soil biota, and lower plant species diversity. Establishment of rare plant species with complex multitrophic interactions, typical of undisturbed nutrient-poor environments, may be hindered by the absence of interacting organisms. We hypothesised that the addition of a mycorrhizal symbiont improves the seed germination of orchids that crucially depend on fungi. We focused on grasslands restored on arable land 1–15 years ago featuring residual mineral nutrients and low organic matter contents compared to semi-natural grasslands and on four orchid species differing in the level of mycorrhizal specificity: high – Anacamptis pyramidalis and Orchis mascula – and low – Platanthera bifolia and Gymnadenia conopsea. Five fungal isolates obtained from non-green underground mycorrhizal orchid seedlings (protocorms) or adults' roots were tested for orchid-fungus compatibility under conditions in vitro. Orchid seeds inserted in retrievable seed packets were subsequently co-introduced with selected fungal isolates grown either on agar or sterilized hay into the soil of nine restored grasslands and incubated for twelve months. The identity of mycorrhizal fungi in retrieved protocorms was verified by molecular methods. The isolates that supported protocorm establishment in vitro enabled also protocorm formation in situ, but success rates differed among orchid species. While mycorrhizal specialists produced most protocorms after inoculation, the mycorrhizal generalists took advantage of naturally occurring fungi and produced some protocorms both in inoculated and uninoculated treatments. We showed that the addition of mycorrhizal fungi enhanced protocorm formation regardless of the modified soil environment, especially in mycorrhizal specialist orchids. This method may help to restore populations of native orchid species in their former distribution ranges, including farming-altered habitats.

Background: Vanilla planifolia is the most widely cultivated species of vanilla with high economic importance. However, seed germination under artificial conditions is difficult and yields low germination percentages. The seeds are adapted to endozoochorous dispersal, and we therefore tried to simulate the conditions in the digestive tract by acid scarification of seeds. Results: Immature seeds lacking dormancy, used as a control, showed the highest germination percentage. Among the treatments tested for mature seeds, the hydrochloric acid treatments were significantly the best in breaking dormancy and inducing germination, irrespective of the acid concentration and the presence of pepsin. Conventional treatment with a hypochlorite solution induced much lower germination percentage. Sulphuric acid at concentration 50% was too strong and caused damage to the seeds. Important factor is also high cultivation temperature 30 °C as there was nearly no germination at 25 °C. Conclusions: Our protocol significantly improves the efficiency of generative propagation of vanilla and allows for significantly higher germination percentages than previously described. The strongly positive effect of hydrochloric acid may be related to the adaptation of seeds to endozoochorous dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Ophrys schulzei Bornm. & Fleischm is an orchid species which its underground organ is harvested and has numerous applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The population of this orchid species in the natural habitat has been greatly reduced and is at risk of extinction due to the low germination percentage, required specific ecological conditions and also overharvesting. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate different propagation methods in order to approach ex situ conservation, domestication and cultivation of this plant species. Vegetative propagation of orchids is difficult, time-consuming and expensive, and also a small number of propagules can be obtained from each mother plant. Sexual propagation in ex vitro condition is also difficult due to low endosperm of orchid seeds, undifferentiated embryo and need to symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi. Therefore, it seems that in vitro seed germination is the most suitable method for producing orchid seedlings. The most important and crucial step in seedlings mass production is selecting appropriate growth media for in vitro cultivation. Therefore, in this research, the effect of different culture media on the germination and seedling growth of ophrys schulzei was studied. Materials and Methods In this research, germination, protocorm formation and growth indices of ophrys schulzei seedlings were evaluated in 5 different culture media including Malmgren, Orchimax, P725,1 MS and1B5. At first, the seeds were sown in the mentioned culture media and transferred to the growth chamber with 25٥c and dark conditions. After germination, they were placed in a refrigerator at 4٥c for two weeks. At the end of two weeks, the culture containers were placed in the growth chamber with 25٥c and light conditions 16/8 h (light/dark). After 12 months from seed sowing, the mentioned factors were evaluated. This research was conducted as a completely randomized design with 5 replications at Research Center of Medicinal Plants Breeding and Development of University of Kurdistan, in 2019-2022. Results and Discussion The highest (25.26%) and lowest (0%) germination percentage were observed in Malmgren and Orchimax culture media, respectively. Protocorms were appeared earlier in the Malmgren medium than other media (19.55 days after seed sowing). Protocorms on 1MS medium were stayed in initial form, and no significant development was observed. Protomeristems were appeared earlier in Malmgren medium compared to P725 and1B5 (105.66 days after seed sowing). There was no significant difference between P725 and1B5 in terms of protomeristem appearance time (1/4 B5 148.55 and P725 159 days after seed sowing). Seedlings were formed only in P725, Malmgren and 1B5 culture media. The highest protocorm weight (0.12 g) was belonged to the Malmgren culture medium, and the highest root length (21.44 mm), root weight (0.19 g), aerial weight (0.05 g), seedling length (45.98 mm) and seedling weight (0.57 g) were belonged to the seedlings grown in P725 medium. In terms of the number of roots and shoot length, no significant differences were observed between the three culture media. Conclusion In general, among the studied culture media, Malmgren and P725 were determined the most suitable culture media for production of ophrys schulzei seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oriental orchids of the genus Cymbidium are famous for their flower fragrance and have great value in the horticultural market. To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of fragrance biosynthesis in Cymbidium faberi, the promoters of the CfAOC and CfJMT genes in the methyl jasmonate biosynthesis pathway were cloned and analyzed. Notably, the CfAOC promoter was transcriptionally active in all vegetative organs, which was not true for the CfJMT promoter, indicating that the latter is tissue-specific for the flowers of C. faberi. The dual-luciferase assay showed that the fragment between –629 and –1038 nt of the CfAOC promoter, as well as the fragment between –960 and –1121 nt of the CfJMT promoter, displayed specific interaction with the CfbHLH transcription factors. These results provide a theoretical basis for the genetic modification of the flower fragrance of Cymbidium based on specific CfbHLH transcription factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Brassavola nodosa (L.) Lindl. is a tropical epiphytic orchid showing characteristics of interest for the ornamental nursery industry, as well as considered as an endangered species. Problems with traditional propagation methods limit the development of a large-scale commercial production system. The use of micropropagation has been investigated for this species, and the use of liquid in vitro systems showed potential for use of temporary immersion systems, also called temporary immersion bioreactors (TIB) for micropropagation of B. nodosa. This study evaluated the efficiency of the SETIS™ TIBs for the micropropagation of B. nodosa. Explants consisting of young shoots tips measuring between 0.3 and 0.5 cm were collected from 1-yr-old in vitro seedlings of B. nodosa and used for shoot multiplication. Four culture systems were evaluated: a semi-solid in vitro system consisting of 160 mm × 100 mm TP1600 Microbox containing 500 ml semi-solid medium as a control, and a liquid in vitro system consisting of 4 L temporary immersion bioreactor (SETIS™, VERVIT, Belgium) containing 500 ml liquid medium with immersion and aeration frequencies of 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h. For all bioreactor treatments, duration of immersion and aeration was 2 min. Results showed that temporary immersion of B. nodosa explants with a frequency of 2 h and duration of 2 min returned the highest multiplication rates, with 4.6 shoots produced per explant compared with 2.8 shoots per explant in semi-solid agar-based systems. The use of bioreactors also promoted increased growth and development and in vitro rooting, therefore improving survival, and facilitating acclimatization of in vitro-derived plantlets. This is the first study demonstrating a successful protocol for micropropagation of B. nodosa using SETIS™ bioreactors, which could have significant value and impact for the commercial production of this species as well as for conservation purposes. Key message: Micropropagation of Brassavola nodosa was achieved using SETIS temporary immersion bioreactors, showing good multiplication rates, increased growth and development and in vitro rooting, thus improving survival and acclimatization ex vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sapovirus is an important cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in young children. However, knowledge gaps remain in community settings. We investigated the epidemiology, disease characteristics, and healthcare use associated with sapovirus infections in Australian children during their first 2 years of life. Methods Children in the Brisbane-based Observational Research in Childhood Infectious Diseases birth cohort provided daily gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting/loose stools), weekly stool swabs, and healthcare data until age 2 years. Swabs were batch-tested for sapovirus using real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Incidence rates and estimates of associations were calculated. Results Overall, 158 children returned 11 124 swabs. There were 192 sapovirus infection episodes. The incidence rate in the first 2 years of life was 0.89 infections per child-year (95% confidence interval [CI],.76–1.05), and the symptomatic incidence rate was 0.26 episodes per child-year (95% CI,.17–.37). Age ≥6 months, the fall season, and childcare attendance increased disease incidence significantly. Fifty-four of the 180 (30%) infections with linked symptom diaries were symptomatic, with 72% recording vomiting and 48% diarrhea. Prior infection reduced risk of further infections (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.70 [95% CI,.54–.81]) in the study period. Viral loads were higher and viral shedding duration was longer in symptomatic than asymptomatic children. Twenty-three (43%) symptomatic episodes required healthcare, including 6 emergency department presentations and 2 hospitalizations. Conclusions Sapovirus infections are common in Australian children aged 6–23 months. Efforts to reduce childhood AGE after the global rollout of rotavirus vaccines should include sapovirus where estimates of its incidence in communities will be crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Epidendrum secundum Jacq is a terrestrial orchid that grows in Ecuadorian southern highlands. • Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant assays were performed in E. secundum. • E. secundum organic extracts displayed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. • Catalase activity was significantly higher in E. secundum in vitro seedling leaves. A comparison of antioxidant and antibacterial activities among in vitro cultured seedlings and Orchidarium plant specimens of Epidendrum secundum Jacq , a terrestrial orchid from southern Ecuadorian highlands, was performed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds production from in vitro cultured seedlings and Orchidarium plants from the orchid species under study. For this purpose, a group of spectrophotometric assays was set up, comparing the free radical scavenging capacity, phenolic and flavonoids content from seedling leaves and plant leaves organic extracts, as non-enzymatic antioxidant indicators. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the organic plant extracts was evaluated versus Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities were assessed as enzymatic antioxidant systems in aqueous extracts. The results showed higher non-enzymatic antioxidant activity for leaves from Epidendrum secundum Orchidarium plants compared with leaves from in vitro seedling cultures. The organic extracts from the orchid under study displayed moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. In the enzymatic antioxidant evaluation, catalase activity was significantly higher at in vitro conditions. The results from this work allow us to highlight the potential of Epidendrum secundum Jacq as a source of bioactive metabolites with promising antioxidant and antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural hybridization between closely related species in sympatry is an evolutionary process that is common in orchids. Once seen as a threat to parent species, interspecific genetic change is increasingly viewed as a source of novel variation in some ecological contexts. Terrestrial fringed orchids in the genus Platanthera contain several clades with high genetic compatibility among species and many putative hybrids. We used biallelic SNPs generated with 3RAD sequencing to study the hybrid complex formed from the parent species P. blephariglottis, P. ciliaris, and P. cristata with high resolution. The genetic structure and phylogenetic relationship of the hybrid complex revealed site-dependent gene flow between species. We documented extensive hybridization and cryptic hybrids in sympatric sites. Interspecific genetic exchange is particularly common between P. blephariglottis and P. ciliaris, with cryptic hybrids among putative P. ciliaris samples being more common than parental assignments in sympatric sites. Hybridization across the triad species complex can reticulate lineages and introduce adaptive alleles. Conversely, it can reduce diversification rates and introduce maladaptive alleles. Investigation into whether anthropogenic forces are eroding species boundaries, particularly the permeable P. blephariglottis and P. ciliaris boundary, is appropriate for conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]