# Effect of Culture Medium Composition on In Vitro Regeneration, Acclimatization, and Production Cost of Dendrobium phalaenopsis Sa-Nook ‘Thailand Black’ Plants

## TL;DR

This study finds that using 9.08 µM TDZ in culture medium improves plant regeneration, survival, and reduces costs for Dendrobium phalaenopsis Sa-Nook ‘Thailand Black’.

## Contribution

The study identifies optimal plant growth regulator concentrations for efficient and cost-effective in vitro propagation of a specific Dendrobium cultivar.

## Key findings

- 9.08 µM TDZ produced the highest number of shoots per explant (8.5).
- Plants with 9.08 µM TDZ had a 96% survival rate after 90 days in greenhouse conditions.
- The lowest production cost per plant (0.49 USD) was achieved with 9.08 µM TDZ.

## Abstract

The Dendrobium genus originates from tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, extending to northern Australia. Species and hybrids of this genus, including Dendrobium phalaenopsis Sa-Nook ‘Thailand Black’, are the second most popular cultivars worldwide. To meet this demand, it is necessary to implement techniques such as micropropagation, which allows the mass production of plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators (NAA, BA, and TDZ) on the in vitro regeneration of D. phalaenopsis Sa-Nook ‘Thailand Black’ plants, their acclimatization, and production costs. Rootless shoots of 1–1.5 cm in height were grown on 50% MS medium supplemented with BA (0, 2.22, 4.44, or 8.88 µM), TDZ (0, 2.27, 4.54, or 9.08 µM), and NAA (0 or 2.69 µM), individually or in combination. After the second phase of in vitro shoot growth, the highest number of shoots per explant (8.5) was observed with 9.08 µM of TDZ. Plants regenerated with this concentration of TDZ showed the highest survival rate (96%) at 90 days of greenhouse cultivation, as well as the formation of new shoots (0.9), and the lowest production cost per plant (0.49 USD).