Keiki induction by cytokinin on Phalaenopsis spp.

Abstract

A Keiki is the product of asexual propagation which naturally develop at the node of a flower stalk or cane. Phalaenopsis produce Keiki along the middle to end nodes on the flower stalk. Although keikis are an inefficient way to propagate orchids on a commercial scale, it is interesting to study the cytokinin hormone Benzyl Aminopurine (BAP) effect to stimulate keikis on a node along the flower stalk. Two nodes of each flower stalk were used in this experiment. Cytokinin hormone (0 mg L−1 , 2 000 mg L−1 , 4 000 mg L−1 , 6 000 mg L−1 BAP) was only applied once to the second, third, fourth, and fifth nodes of the flower stalk base. The Keiki raised from the second and third nodes of the flower stalk while the flower spike raised from the fourth to sixth basal. BAP stimulated bud break on the node of the flower stalk and could produce either flower spike or keikis depending on node position from the basal node of the flower stalk.