Phenology and effect of light intensity on germination in vitro of Masdevallia solomonii (Orchidaceae)

Abstract

Masdevallia solomonii, is an epiphytic and endemic orchid of the Yungas of La Paz, with threatened habitats for its survival in the short and medium term, and also considered a vulnerable species, it is a priority for conservation. One of the limitations for propagation is the low percentage of germination, due to the lack of nutritional reserves in the seeds, which require association with a symbiotic fungus and is also conditioned by factors of temperature, light intensity, photoperiod, among others. In addition, it is necessary to know their phenological patterns (vegetative and reproductive) to establish management strategies. In this sense, in the present work, the objective was to describe phenological patterns and determine the effect of light intensity and make the morphological description of the germination process of M. solomonii. Between December 2008 and November 2009, phenological monitoring was carried out on the section of the pre-Columbian road Chojllapata of the ANMI-Cotapata NP. In the laboratory, the seeds were disinfected and sown in Knudson C medium, and exposed to two light intensities (1.965 and 7.992 µMol m^-2s^-1, respectively) in the growth chamber. Flower buds began to appear in September, with the highest peak in November. From May to October, more than 40 % of the population were in a vegetative state (sterile), with 13 % of fruit production. At low light intensity (1.965 µMol m^-2s^-1) it presented a higher germination percentage (22.39 %), than at high intensity (7.992 µMol m^-2s^-1) with 8.16 % germination. Flowering occurred in the rainy season (October to March), most of the individuals came to form a flower, the ripening time of the fruits required 8 months. At a low light intensity (1.965 µMol m^-2s^-1) it presented a higher germination percentage of  22.39 %.