Two-coat systems for encapsulation of Spathoglottis plicata (Orchidaceae) seeds and protocorms

Abstract

Complex coacervation of alginate-chitosan and alginate-gelatin were used to develop two-coat systems for the encapsulation of Spathoglottis plicata seeds and protocorms (top-shaped structures formed after seed germination of orchids). Both the seeds and the protocorms could withstand the encapsulation treatments with high viability. About 54% of seeds and 40% of large protocorms (1.6-2.0 mm) were able to tolerate a 6-h desiccation treatment. However, viability of the small protocorms (0.7-0.9 mm) was greatly reduced if they were desiccated before encapsulation. Encapsulation after desiccation significantly increased the percentage viability of seeds and protocorms. Treatment with abscisic acid (ABA, 10-5 M) before desiccation and encapsulation resulted in high percentage viability in seeds and large protocorms whereas the small protocorms were found to be less tolerant to the treatments.