Nonsymbiotic Germination of Orchid Seeds

A method is given for sterilizing seeds of certain orchids and for growing them under sterile conditions. 2. Germination of seeds of Laelia, Cattleya, and related forms is possible without the aid of any fungus when certain sugars are supplied. 3. Fructose appears more favorable than glucose. 4. In the presence of glucose, chlorosis of the embryo generally results. 5. Germination is possible on certain plant extracts containing merely traces of sugar. 6. Embryos in sugar-containing cultures accumulate a considerable reserve of starch. 7. The concentration of glucose is important in the growth of the embryo. 8. Bacillus radicicola from alfalfa and certain other microorganisms on certain media have a favorable influence on the development of chlorophyll and germination. 9. Seedlings have been transplanted from tubes to large flasks and growth has continued. 10. The results thus far obtained indicate that the method is of value in the propagation of orchids from seeds. 11. The idea is advanced that the necessity of fungus infection for germination has not yet been proved. 12. One cause of failure of germination may be the pathogenic character of some of the endophytic fungi.