The wild orchid, C.montanum, is endangered and rarely seen in the natural setting. Laboratory techniques will be applied to the germination of seeds and resulting propagules will be planted in various settings thought to be ideal for their growth. Additionally, seedlings that have grown for 14-18 months in vitro will be provided to nurseries for growth as saleable plants for their business. This will reduce the need for poaching the plants from the wild. This project will apply the expertise of laboratory and naturalists personnel for restoration and development for plant sales. OBJECTIVES: 1. Restoration of C. montanum in natural settings 2. Develop protocols for germinates to be raised for commercial sales 3. Identify mycorrhizae associtaed with stolen and root tissue of C.montanum 4. Establish cryopreservation techniques for storage of immature seed capable of germination APPROACH: 1.Using germinates from the 2004 season (Phase I study) small plants will be placed into planting sites that are known to support C. montanum at GROWISER. They will be scored for growth each season by carefully excavating a sample of plants that have been in the ground to photograph and measure. These excavated plants will be taken to the laboratory of D. Luoma for isolating mycorrhizae from the root tissue. 2.Using other germinates of the 2004 season, some private nurseries will attempt to develop procedures for the growth of these plants for commercial sales. 3.Explore variations of culture techniques as well as cryopreservation of immature seed for storage of germination of desirable material collected during the 2005 season
