RESUMO
Various parameters including explant-type, medium compositions, use of phytohormones and additives were optimized for direct and indirect regeneration of E. ochreata, a medicinal orchid under threat. Protocorm-like-bodies (PLBs) proved to be the best explants for shoot initiation, proliferation and callus induction. Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing 2.5 mg L(-1) 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.0 mg L(-1) kinetin (Kin) and additives (adenine sulfate, arginine, citric acid, 30 mg L(-1) each and 50 mg L(-1) ascorbic acid) was optimal for shoot multiplication (12.1 shoots and 7.1 PLBs per explant with synchronized growth), which also produced callus. Shoot number was further increased with three successive subcultures on same media and approximately 40 shoots per explant were achieved after 3 cycles of 30 days each. Additives and casein hydrolysate (CH) showed advantageous effects on indirect shoot regeneration via protocorm-derived callus. Optimum indirect regeneration was achieved on MS containing additives, 500 mg L(-1) CH, 2.5 mg L(-1) BAP and 1.0 mg L(-1) Kin with 30 PLBs and 6 shoots per callus mass (approximately 5 mm size). The shoots were rooted (70% frequency) on one by fourth-MS medium containing 2.0 mg L(-1) indole-3-butyric acid, 200 mg L(-1) activated charcoal and additives. The rooted plantlets were hardened and transferred to greenhouse with 63% survival rate. Flow-cytometry based DNA content analysis revealed that the ploidy levels were maintained in in vitro regenerated plants. This is the first report for in vitro plant regeneration in E. ochreata.