Ovule Development inPhalaenopsis

Abstract

The Orchidaceae is unusual in that placental proliferation and ovule formation generally occur after anthesis and require pollination to stimulate development. In this study the normal sequence of ovule development in relation to time after pollination in two species of Phalaenopsis (P. pulcherrima, P. X Chieftain) belonging to different sections of the genus is discussed. P. X Chieftain is approximately ten days slower in attaining any given stage when compared to P. pulcherrima. The slowness in development of P. X Chieftain is probably due to its tetraploid nature rather than to the sectional difference of the two species involved. Ovule culture studies indicate that mature plants can be obtained from ovules removed from fruits and cultured on aseptic nutrient media after fertilization has been effected. A rapid technique for the study of ovule development is also described.