Asymbiotic germination of ornamental Vanda:: in vitro germination and development of three hybrids

The majority of potted flowering orchids sold in the United States are Phalaenopsis hybrids. However, demand for other genera will undoubtedly increase as consumers become accustomed to growing orchids in the home. The objective of this study was to compare the germination and development of three Vanda hybrids, a genus with mass market potential. Specifically, we evaluated whether hybrids with different pedigrees have significantly different culture requirements. After 12 weeks culture, differences in germination and development were found among the three hybrids screened. Generally, seeds of Vanda Motes Primrose x Ascocenda Tavivat (hybrid S014) showed higher germination (82.0-95.3%) than seeds of V. Paki x (V. tessellata x V. cristata; hybrid S005) or (V. Joan Warne x V. Paki) x V. Loke (hybrid 5013) when cultured on Knudson C, half-strength Murashige & Skoog, or PhytoTechnology Orchid Seed Sowing Medium under three photoperiods (8/16 h, 12/12 h, 16/12 h; light/dark). Protocorms of S005 and S013 did not develop beyond Stage 3 (first leaf present) under any of the conditions tested, while S014 seeds cultured on PhytoTechnology Orchid Seed Sowing Medium developed to Stage 4 (one leaf and >= 1 roots present; 0.5-0.6%) and 5 (two leaves and >= 1 roots present; 2.7-5.6%) under all photoperiods tested. All hybrids appeared to undergo similar early development (Stages 0-3). Limited advanced development of Hybrids S005 and 5013 may be due either to inadequate culture conditions or low vigor of these hybrids. These data indicate that commercial production of some Vanda hybrids may be limited by slow growth and development. Efforts to breed hybrids which germinate and develop rapidly may be required to improve the mass market potential of Vanda hybrids.