Acclimatization of The Rare Orchid Dendrobium sutiknoi: An Ex-Situ Conservation Effort for Rare Papuan Orchids

Abstract

Indonesia possesses one of the world's richest orchid diversities, including numerous endemic species that are increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, illegal collection, and environmental disturbances. Dendrobium sutiknoi, a rare orchid species native to Papua, requires effective conservation strategies to prevent further population decline. In vitro propagation through tissue culture offers an efficient method for producing large numbers of plantlets; however, the acclimatization stage remains a critical factor determining the successful transition of plantlets from in vitro to ex vitro conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmentally friendly organic acclimatization media on the growth and survival of Dendrobium sutiknoi plantlets as part of an ex situ conservation effort. A single-factor Randomized Block Design was employed using seven acclimatization media treatments consisting of black moss, tree fern fiber, charcoal, coconut coir, black moss + tree fern fiber, black moss + charcoal, and black moss + coconut coir, with five replications. Parameters observed included acclimatization success percentage, number of leaves, and plant height during 35 days after transplanting. The results demonstrated that acclimatization media significantly affected plantlet growth and survival. Coconut coir produced the highest acclimatization success rate (55%), while the combination of black moss and tree fern fiber resulted in a 40% survival rate. Black moss generated the highest average number of leaves (5.47 ± 0.49 leaves), whereas coconut coir produced the greatest plant height among single media treatments (5.99 ± 0.53 cm). Among combined media, black moss + charcoal yielded the highest plant height (5.92 ± 0.84 cm). The findings indicate that organic waste-based substrates can serve as effective and sustainable acclimatization media for D. sutiknoi, thereby supporting ex-situ conservation programs and contributing to biodiversity preservation in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 15.