OPTIMAL GROWTH, RAPID ACCLIMATIZATION AND SHIPPING OF CATTLEYA ORCHID IN SINGLE USE SEALED MEMBRANE VESSELS
Three-dimensional polypropylene enclosures have been fabricated for the in vitro culture and ex vitro growth of Cattleya orchid propagules. The enclosures consist of: 1) microporous polypropylene membrane for nutrient transfer between liquid media and the growing tissue. 2) molded polypropylene side wall sized for growth of Cattleya orchid plants and flanged to allow heat seals with membranes, and 3) polypropylene membrane(s) top member for light and gaseous transmission. Three commercial clones of Cattleya have been sealed into these enclosures and grown for eight months on unmended MS medium. Contaminated liquid media was effectively isolated from the propagules within the sealed enclosures, and following a bleach treatment with sterile rinses, propagules were returned to aseptic culture. Greenhouse growth of plant tissues in these enclosures will be discussed. Optimization for growth of Cattleya has begun with studies of gas, light and temperature regimes within the sealed enclosures and a comparison of growth on two different nutrient formulations.