Effects of Different Culture Media on Growth and Proliferation of Dendrobium 'Earsakul' Protocorm-like Bodies.

The effects of culture media on growth and proliferation of 'Earsakul' dendrobium (Dendrobium) protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) were evaluated in a twostep culture. After culturing on each of the four first step media for 4 months and on each of the four second step media for 4 months, the greatest total PLB fresh weight, increase in number of PLBs and growth rates were obtained when using Vacin and Went medium 1 (VW1) in both culture steps compared with those in 15 other medium combinations. Starting from 0.5 g of PLBs, culturing on VW1 for 8 months achieved a total of 415.25 g of PLBs, a multiplication rate of 830-fold. The supplementation of tomato (Solatium lycopersicum) and substitution of 'Horn Thong' banana [Musa acuminata (AAA group)] with 'Khai' banana [ M. acuminata (AA group)] in this new medium promoted growth and proliferation of dendrobium PLBs 2.4-fold over the control medium, suggesting its usefulness in commercial micropropagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]