UNS — The high interest in orchid flower leads to a demand for a continuous supply of orchid stock, including through propagation. Naturally, massive orchid propagation can be done through seeds, although this method has limitations because it is hard to germinate orchid seeds. Based on this limitation, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science (FMIPA) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta students conduct research on double-layer synthetic seed as an alternative for in vitro culture in orchid propagation.
The research is conducted by Ida Afriani (Biology Program 2018), Faiza Aulia Rochma (Biology Program 2018), Rizka Hafsah Nur Afifah (Biology Program 2018), and Alfia Laisa Zaki Affrisa (Biology Program 2019) and is supervised by Ari Pitoyo, S.Si., M.Sc. The students are the member of Student Creativity Program (PKM) for Exact Research (RE) who won this year’s funding.
“Developing orchid propagation innovation using this method could be more effective in terms of cost, production process, and benefits. The technique (we use) is the encapsulation process,” Ida explained on Friday (6/8/2021).
Encapsulation technique or the synthetic seeds is somatic embryo embedded in protective layer with zygotic embryo structure and properties. The protective layer was made from a biodegradable matrix that is effective to protect explant from damage. The commonly used matrix material is alginate hydrogel because its structure will clot after being dipped in calcium chlorides.
“The general explanation of synthetic orchid seed is a hydrogel with explant or sprouts inside,” Ida added.
Synthetic seed is beneficial for the propagation of seedless plants or plants with seeds that do not have sufficient reserve, such as an orchid. Synthetic seed is also helpful to store seeds for an extended period and ease the distribution process because it facilitates germination at any time.
“Synthetic seed could also be produced in large numbers or through an industrial process. The program is expected to be leading and competitive research to achieve PKM and Pimnas 2021,” Ida concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti