• Journal of Plant Biology
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• v.22 no.1_2
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• pp.35-43
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• 1979

The present investigation has been made to study the deficiency symptoms of boron on the formation of cell wall and the development of the individual components of the orchid cell wall. Analytical samples were taken from two sources; one from the individual orchid plants started from an apical meristem culture followed by the generation of the protocorm-like body which was developed into a plant, the other from the plant cultivated in water for 30 days. The amount of boron in the cultrues were controlled and the deficiency symptoms were observed under theelectron microscope, optical microscope with samples taken from the zones of elongation of leaves and compared the dry weight of cell walls and finally the various fractions of the cell wall components. The following results were obtained: (1) The growth of roots and leaves was hampered in the boron deficient plants. (2) In the boron-deficient leaves a severe necrosis and cracks were developed in the tissue of zone of elongation besides the decrease in growth. (3) under the electorn microscope the cell walls of boron-deficient plants showed rough undulated structures unlike the smooth control cell walls. (4) the dry weight of total cells and cell walls of boron deficient plants were higher than the control plants. (5) In the boron deficient plant the amout of pectin and hemicellulose isolated from cell walls were higher and the amount of protein was lower than the controlled plots.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.375-380
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• 2003

This study was conducted to establish a practical masspropagation system of Phalaenopsis clones from basal shoot segments. The frequency of PLB (protocorm like body) induction was compared with various explants. Basal shoot segments showed the most successful result of 45％, while root tips, stalk node segments, stalk leaves and mature leaves represented low frequency (below 5％). The PLB induction ratio in the culture of basal shoot segments was examined with 11 different Phalaenopsis varieties, and the majority of varieties, including pink flower lines, showed an about 30％ rate of PLB formation. Especially, when whole basal shoot parts without cutting were inoculated onto PLB induction medium, giant PLB was induced from explant. This giant PLB was green color and big in size compared with normal PLB. When dissected giant PLB segments inoculated onto PLB multiplication medium, only normal size of PLBs were induced from them. PLBs induced by basal shoot culture were transferred onto proliferation medium and then shooting medium, from which normal plants were formed. Therefore, this culture method is considered as effective and practical protocol for Phalaenopsis mericlone production. In addition, it is suggested that clones of an infinite number can be produced consecutively by this culture system through repeated cycles of PLB induction and proliferation using the basal shoot segment of flask plant.