Env Exp Biol (2014) 12: 155–159

The response of protocorm-like bodies of nine hybrid Cymbidium cultivars to light-emitting diodes

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess how the protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of nine hybrid Cymbidium cultivars would respond to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at different ratios under in vitro conditions. The red (R) to blue (B) LED ratio (100% R; 60% R + 40% B; 50% R + 50% B; 40% R + 60% B; 100% B; control = plant growth fluorescent light (PGF)) affected neo-PLB formation in a cultivar-dependent way: 100% R or 100% B had a negative effect on neo-PLB production while 40% R + 60% B favored neo-PLB formation more than under PGF, although the resulting PLBs were of poor quality, i.e., could not be used for clonal purposes. This study reinforces the fact that it is essential to test optimal conditions for the in vitro culture of individual hybrid Cymbidium cultivars and that light conditions can quantitatively influence the organogenic result. Furthermore, caution must be exercised when interpreting the results, as these are based on the timing of sampling and on the developmental stage of the material.