Foreword Preface Obtaining orchid seed The structure of orchid flowers Sources of seed Pollination Fertilization Harvesting and storing seed Harvesting seed Collecting and cleaning seed Orchid seed in the post Record keeping Assessing seed quality Seed storage Pollen storage Culture media Selection of media Equipment Making up and storing media Getting ready to sow the seed Setting up a clean area Safe disposal of materials Working in a laminar flow bench or a sterile-handling cabinet Seed sowing and germination Choosing your options Green pod method Disinfection of seed Packet method Tube method incorporating sintered-glass disc Test tube method Filter paper & funnel method Syringe method Germination Care of flasks: light & temperature Transplanting to fresh medium De-flasking seedlings Aftercare of seedlings Problem solving Appendix 1: useful addresses Appendix 2: green capsule harvest times Appendix 3: media notes Appendix 4: a simple hood Appendix 5: seedling composts Glossary Further reading.