The physiology of Cymbidium plantlets cultured in vitro under conditions of high carbon dioxide and low photosynthetic photon flux density

Abstract

Cymbidium plantlets were grown in vitro under conditions of high CO2 and low photosynthetic photon flux density using the Miracle Pack® culture system. Shoots and roots of plantlets showed differential growth characteristics. Shoot growth was not different in plantlets cultured under CO2-enriched (CDE) and non-enriched (NCDE) conditions. Root growth was promoted in plantlets cultured under CDE in the presence or absence of 2% sucrose (S) with rockwool (R) as the supporting material. Growth was poor in plantlets cultured in 1% agar. Root growth was best in plantlets cultured under CDE R+S. Sucrose is still an important component for root growth under CDE conditions even though CO2 can be used as an alternative carbon source. Photosynthetic measurements (CO2 uptake and total Rubisco activity) showed the presence of active and operational photosynthetic machinery in plantlets cultured under CDE and NCDE conditions. The apparent lack of photoautotrophy (as evident from the lack of starch grains in chloroplasts) in plantlets cultured under NCDE conditions is not the result of a lesser potential for photoautotrophy; rather it is a consequence of sub-optimal CO2 concentrations within the culture vessels.