PHYTOTOXICITY OF FUNGICIDES AND BACTERICIDES IN ORCHID CULTURE MEDIA

A number of fungicides, bactericides and dual-action substances were screened for phytotoxicity in vitro using Cattleya aurantiaca and Stanhopea occulata (Orchidaceae) seedlings. Of the 25 compounds screened, ten (each at only one concentration) were employed in nine different combinations for nonsterile in vitro cultures of Cattleya aurantiaca seedlings: Amphotericin B, 10 ppm; Benlate, 50 ppm; Dowicide, 5 ppm; Ethirimol, 50 ppm; Gentamicin, 50 ppm; Nystatin, 25 ppm; PCNB, 100 ppm; Penicillin G, 100 ppm; Sodium omadine, 5 ppm; and Vancomycin, 50 ppm. All nine combinations prevented contamination, but had different effects on seedling development.