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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
In vitro seed germination and phytochemical profiling of four epiphytic orchids of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Authors
Md Mustakim Zulfikar Alam, Md Mahbubur Rahman, Tapash Kumar Bhowmik
Abstract
The Orchidaceae family represents a critical
component of global biodiversity, yet many indigenous species in the Chittagong
Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh face severe threats due to habitat destruction
and over exploitation. This study investigates the in vitro seed
germination efficiency, protocorm-like body (PLB) development, and
comprehensive phytochemical profiling of four highly valued epiphytic orchids: Aerides
multiflora, Acampe rigida, Coelogyne flaccida and Dendrobium
aggregatum. A comparative analysis of seeds germination was conducted
across four basal media (MS, KC, PM and MVW) supplemented with 2% or 3% (w/v)
sucrose. The maximum seeds germination rate of 83.34% was recorded on the MS
medium supplemented with 3% sucrose for D. aggregatum, outperforming all
other media formulations. Subsequent PLBs development exhibited distinct
species-specific morphological and pigmentation variations ranging from
greenish to yellowish-white. Furthermore, extracts from naturally grown plant
parts (leaf, stem/pseudobulb and root) and in vitro derived parts
(callus, shoot buds, SPSs and plantlets) were subjected to rigorous qualitative
screening for 15 secondary metabolites, including five alkaloids and ten
additional classes (flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, anthraquinones, quinine,
coumarins etc.). The profiling confirmed that in vitro generated
plantlets successfully retain critical secondary metabolites (indicated by +,
++ and +++ colorimetric responses) comparable to their natural counterparts.
These findings establish a highly efficient, reproducible protocol for the mass
propagation and commercial phytochemical extraction of these epiphytic
medicinal species, ensuring their ex situ conservation and sustainable
pharmacological utilization.
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Pages:408-413
How to cite this article:
Md Mustakim Zulfikar Alam, Md Mahbubur Rahman, Tapash Kumar Bhowmik "<i>In vitro</i> seed germination and phytochemical profiling of four epiphytic orchids of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 408-413
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