Arresting Species Extinction

Orchids are among the most diverse and economically valuable groups of flowering plants. However, many orchid species face threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and overcollection. Traditional propagation methods, such as seed sowing or division, are slow and often inefficient due to the complex germination requirements of orchid seeds, which lack endosperm and rely on symbiotic fungi in natural environments.

Tissue culture overcomes these challenges by providing a controlled environment where orchids can be propagated in large numbers without relying on their natural germination processes. This technique is especially important for conserving rare and endangered orchid species.