In vitro asymbiotic germination for micropropagation of the recalcitrant terrestrial orchid (Orchidaceae).

Premise Of The Study: is a terrestrial Orchidaceae species native to Chile, characterized by a beautiful and showy inflorescence. The species has a great potential for commercial exploitation in the cut flower industry, but it is essential to improve propagation methods to avoid endangering its natural populations. Because this species is hard to propagate using traditional greenhouse techniques, in vitro techniques offer an effective tool for its large-scale production in terms of germination, growth, and propagation.

Proposed modification to avoidance test with Eisenia fetida to assess metal toxicity in agricultural soils affected by mining activities.

Use of avoidance tests is a quick and cost-effective method of assessing contaminants in soils. One option for assessing earthworm avoidance behavior is a two-section test, which consists of earthworms being given the choice to move between a test soil and a control substrate. For ecological relevance, tested soils should be field-contaminated soils.