Orchid export is in sight

Dr. Nasiruddin working at the Biotechnology Department laboratory (left) and orchid seedlings grown by using the technology evolved by him (right). PHOTO: STAR

Dr Khondoker M Nasiruddin, Head of Department of Biotec-hnology, told The Dality Star that his department has evolved seven varieties of orchid seedlings from seed and leaf tissues.

These are Dendrobium, Vanda, Phaiues, Phaelanopsis, Aeredis, Rhynchostylis, Cymbidium and Arundina.

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Now, orchid seedlings are normally purchased from Thailand at Tk 35 per piece, which can be reduced to Tk 5, he said.

Normally, orchids are grown both through vegetative means and seed breeding.

But seeds contain a very minute quantity of stored food and so there is less possibility of their germination in natural atmosphere.

Using the traditional vegetative method of propagation, only three or four plants can he produced in a year.

The new technology is called micropropagation, in which vitro seed culture, leaf culture and internode culture are used.

Tiny orchid seeds are placed on tissues for nourishment. After several days, these germinate. These are re-cultured with hormone.

Dr Nasiruddin said standardisation of the varieties is near completion at BAU laboratories.

Several big nurseries trading in orchid have contacted them for orchid seedlings, he said.

If commercially produced, orchids can be exported, he said.

BAU Vice-chancellor Prof Dr M Amirul Islam recently handed over the first consignment of Dendrobium orchid seedlings to Micro Orchids and Plants of Savar. About 95 per cent of the seedlings survived, he said.