Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis ›› 2025, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (6): 1372-1389.DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-1524.20240581

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Research progress of protocorm and protocorm-like body in Orchidaceae plants

ZOU Junyan1,2(), WANG Yunzhu2, ZHAO Wanqiu2, YIN Zhihao2, DU Jianke3,*(), SUN Chongbo2,*()   

  1. 1. College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
    2. Innovation Center of Chinese Medicine Crops, Institute of Horticulture, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
    3. Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Men. Sun Yat-sen), Nanjing 210014, China
  • Received:2024-07-04 Online:2025-06-25 Published:2025-07-08

Abstract:

Protocorm and protocorm-like body (PLB) serve as important intermediate propagules during the growth and development of orchid plants. They are not only important regenerative organs but also rich in bioactive compounds in certain species, demonstrating significant scientific value and application potential. However, current understanding of their formation mechanisms remains limited, and there are notable constraints in industrial development and resource utilization. This paper systematically reviews the vital roles of protocorm and PLB in orchid breeding, seedling propagation, and resource exploitation, with a focus on the following aspects: cytological characteristics during morphogenesis and development, endogenous and environmental influencing factors, molecular regulatory mechanisms, and current exploitation and utilization status. Addressing key challenges such as unclear formation mechanisms and insufficient technological development, this study provides an in-depth discussion and prospects their future applications in large-scale seedling production, novel germplasm creation, and high-value product development. The findings aim to offer theoretical references and practical guidance for further research and comprehensive utilization of orchid protocorm and PLB.

Key words: Orchidaceae, protocorm, protocorm-like body, growth and development, development and utilization

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