ENKAPSULASI PROTOKORM UNTUK KONSERVASI JANGKA PENDEK Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume (ORCHIDACEAE)

Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume is one of the threatened orchid species due to over exploitation and forest degradation, therefore this species needs to be conserved. One of the conservation efforts is to propagate through synthetic seed using sodium alginate as encapsulation matrix and calcium chloride as complexing solution. This research was conducted to obtain an optimal concentration of sodium alginate and calcium chloride for synthetic seeds forming and the best storage condition (temperature and storage period). Protocorm was used as the propagule of the synthetic seed. Sodium alginate 4% produced uniform and isodiametric shape, while calcium chloride 75 mM generated rigid and clear matrix wall to ensure the protection of propagule during storage. Extending storage period resulted in lower germination percentage. The encapsulated protocorms of K3-K6 which stored at 4 o C up to 4 weeks still give the highest germination rate (93,33-100%). The synthetic seed of K2-K6 stored at 25 o C was viable up to 16 weeks with the highest germination rate 93,33­­­­-100% and also has better regrowth than those having been stored at 4 o C