Conservação in vitro de Cattleya Schilleriana (Rchb.F.): uma abordagem com bactérias endofíticas

Abstract

In vitro cultivation presents a high potential for germination, multiplication and regeneration for plants in the Orchidaceae family and follows the appropriate path for the morphogenesis and maturation phases. In their natural habitat, orchid seeds associate with specific microorganisms for germination to occur and then form structures known as “tubercle-like bodies” with a spherical shape, achlorophyllous in epiphytic species. However, in vitro this germination process is known as “protocorms” and does not require association with microorganisms. However, endophytic microorganisms may be present within the plant tissues of micropropagated plants. Plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria can benefit host plants through direct and indirect mechanisms of action. Understanding the ecological function of endophytic bacteria and their interaction with host plants and the fitness of these cultivated plants can bring benefits for the acclimatization of orchids, a critical phase of the crop cycle, with a high mortality rate. The development of strategies for orchids, such as the species Cattleya schilleriana (Rchb.f.), severely threatened with extinction, can promote the growth of protocorms, improving their reintroduction in situ or even commercialization. Therefore, plant tissue culture techniques are essential to assist in conservation, multiplication, as well as investigating the endophytic bacterial community of micropropagated plants and the factors that shape the community of these microorganisms as an aid to endangered species of orchids for future reintroduction in locu.