Asian Jr. of Microbiol. Biotech. Env. Sc. Vol. 23, No. (1) : 2022 : 44-51 © Global Science Publications ISSN-0972-3005 CONSERVATION OF IMPERIL ORCHIDS: CLESIOCENTRON PALLENS (CATHCART EX LINDL.) PEARCE & CRIBB AND PHALEONOPSIS MANNII RCHB.F. THROUGH IN VITRO SEED PROPAGATION KUNTALA N. BARUA* 1 , BONANYA BORA 2 , SATYAM BORDOLOI 3 AND BEBIJA LOKTONGBAM 4 Rain Forest Research Institute, Sotai, Jorhat 785 010, Assam, India, (Received 22 August, 2021; Accepted 5 November, 2021) Key word: Conservation, In-vitro seed propagation, Mass multiplication, Orchids, Cleisocentron pallens and Phalaenopsis mannii Abstract– Cleisocentron pallens and Phalaenopsis mannii, two spectacular orchids of North East India having highly medicinal and ornamental values with prominent existence in APENDIX-II of CITES. The present scenario of habitat destruction, unsustainable harvesting and global climate change is affecting the distribution of orchids, which leads to rapid depletion from nature. The study deals with mass multiplication of C pallens and P mannii through in-vitro seed propagation for future conservation strategies. In C. pallens, highest germination percentage (89.35%) of was observed in Mitra medium. The maximum number (11.2±1.75 cm) and length (4.75±0.58 cm) of shoot were observed in 1.5 mg l -1 BAP. Otherwise, medium containing 1.5 mgl -1 IBA showed highest number (7.3±1.33) with 4.67±1.71 cm length of root were recorded. MS media exhibited the best proliferation rates (88.6%) in P. mannii, although highest number (12.5 ±3.62) and (4.01±0.66) length of shoot found in Mitra medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BAP. Activated Charcoal powder plays an important role in root formation and phenolic compound exudation). Maximum (4.4±0.69) number with an average length (5.85±0.95) of root was observed in medium supplemented with 1.5mgl -1 IBA. The seedlings showed better survivality and growth increment in potting medium Brick chips: Charcoal: Sphagnum moss (1:1:2) for both the species in green house condition. Seed derived protocorm like bodies could be successfully applied for mass multiplication intended for ex situ conservation. INTRODUCTION North East India endowed with wide range of eco- climatic situation which is suitable to fulfill the specific micro- environment requirement for luxuriant growth of orchids. Presently many important orchid species are facing danger of extinction owing to destruction of habitats, over exploitation and various anthropogenic activities. Fruit setting of majority of the magnificent orchids are also very less. Nearly 151 genera with 876 species, about 73% of the total orchid species of India contributed from this region (Jain, 1985). Increasing vulnerability of these species it is a vital need to restore their habitat for conservation and has demanded technology for ex situ conservation. Mass multiplication through tissue culture is the most popular multiplication method of orchids and essential components of plant genetic resource management, conservation and restoration of rare and endangered plant species (Fay, 1992). In vitro seed propagation technique may be an efficient and alternative tools used for mass propagation. Cleisocentron pallens (Cathcart ex Lindl.) Pearce & Cribb and Phalaenopsis mannii Rchb.f. are two spectacular orchid of North east region chosen for the study as of gradual depletion from their natural environment due to worthless collection, habitat destruction and mining activities. As monopodium orchids the multiplication rate of both the species are very low and fruit setting was also very insignificant. The species were recently observed in streamline of North Eastern Coalfields (NEC) covers forest areas viz. Tinkupani and Namphai Reserve http://doi.org/10.53550/AJMBES.2022.v24i01.009