'මල් අතර මහත්වරුන්' රකින පර්යේෂකයන්

Chinese researchers dedicated to reviving endangered orchids

Researchers at the southwest China's Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have been focusing on restoring wild populations of endangered orchids in recent years as they look to strengthen conservation efforts and preserve the local ecology.

By mimicking the natural regeneration process of epiphytic orchids, researchers have greatly improved the germination rate of the seeds. These techniques have ensured the survival of endangered species and the preservation of their genetic resources.

Around 80 percent of orchid species are tropical epiphytes, which grow on trees and have aerial roots. They form root-like mycorrhizal structures in nature, relying on specific fungi for their survival.

These factors mean that finding the right fungi for orchid seed germination is crucial for artificial cultivation, and this challenging process has taken scientists over a decade to perfect. Epiphytic orchids' symbiotic fungi typically grow on tree bark and leaf litter, while terrestrial orchids' fungi are found in soil around tree roots.

To create an ideal growing environment for orchids, researchers first cultivate fungi, wash them to remove sugars and prevent mold, and mix them with agar in a 1:1 ratio to form a fungal powder. Once dried, this powder will be placed into small packets together with orchid seeds. These packets are then positioned on tree trunks for germination.

The ancient tea gardens of Xishuangbanna in the southwestern Yunnan Province are vital habitats for orchids. With tall trees, dense shrubs, and diverse bird and insect species, these gardens mimic a natural forest ecosystem. Orchids, mosses, and ferns all flourish in this rich environment.

Researchers have prepared a total of 700 seed packets, each containing 108 seeds of noble dendrobium, a member of the family Orchidaceae. These seeds will begin their new life on the hospitable tree trunks in the gardens.

Over the following two months, fungal hyphae will penetrate the seed coats, enter the embryonic cells, and form fungal masses that release nutrients, ensuring the successful germination of the seedlings.

This technique, mimicking the natural reproduction of epiphytic orchids, increases the average germination rate of orchid seeds to more than 11 percent, significantly higher than the natural rate, which typically only has a one in 10,000 chance of success.

"For species on the brink of extinction, we can prioritize artificial intervention and establish controlled populations. This will help prevent extinction and preserve genetic resources," said Shao Shicheng, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

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