Direct somatic embryogenesis in Epipactis veratrifolia,a temperate terrestrial orchid

Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from plants of the genus Epipactis by asexual methods have totally failed. This study was conducted using somatic embryogenesis as a rapid vegetative propagation technique for conservation of E. veratrifolia. For these purposes, effects of different types of plant growth regulators (PGRs), different types of explants, light and dark conditions, and the effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and Paclobutrazol (PBZ) were investigated on somatic embryogenesis induction. Abscisic acid (ABA) pre-treatment effectiveness on inducting somatic embryogenesis and increasing the number of embryos per explant were investigated. Subsequently, 16 media were tested to find the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. BA (3 mg L^?1) resulted in a better response than the other PGRs by supporting the development of 17 embryos per protocorm. PBZ, which resulted in 11 embryos per explant, was better than GA₃. FAST medium supplemented with organic substances was recognized as the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. ABA pre-treatment had positive effect on somatic embryogenesis initiation. This study, for the first time, succeeded in finding a rapid and suitable protocol for propagation and genetic resource conservation of E. veratrifolia.