Abstract
This is the first report on the in vitro asymbiotic germination of Orchis mascula L. seeds, collected in the Simbruini Natural Park (Italy). Different pre-inoculum treatments and various culture media were tested to induce germination and to improve embryo development. The Orchimax medium supplemented with benzyladenine and active charcoal proved to be the best in promoting seed germination. The time course of protocorm development is described.
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Acknowledgements
This research was supported by a grant from Ente Parco dei Monti Simbruini. The authors thank Dr. Luca Tarquini (Ufficio Tecnico Naturalistico) and Dr. Blando Salvatore (Ufficio Tecnico Agronomico Forestale) for their kind support.