Artificial seed production is a valuable technology for commercial plant production and provides a viable option for preserving elite plant germplasm. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal concentrations of sodium alginates (3%, 4%, and 5%) and calcium chloride (75 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM) for encapsulating Phalaenopsis orchid protocorms. The second objective was to determine the optimal temperature (4, 20, and 25 °C), light spectra (blue, red, green, far-red, white, and darkness), and storage duration (30, 60, 90, and 180 days) for preserving synthetic seeds. The optimal alginate concentration for producing uniform, circular, and sufficiently strong artificial seeds with the highest germination percentage was found to be 4% in a 100 mM calcium chloride solution. The synthetic seeds stored at 25 °C for 180 days had the shortest germination initiation time (2.33 days), the highest germination percentage (100%), and the highest number of leaves, roots, and protocorm-like bodies. The study on synthetic seeds found that storing them in darkness for 90 days is the most effective treatment, considering the interaction between light spectra and storage period. It is recommended to use green light during storage only when quick germination is necessary.
Key Message: Artificial seeds of Phalaenopsis made of 4% alginate with 100 mM CaCl2 had the highest germination rate. The best storage condition was 25 °C for 180 days under LED lights, particularly green light.