I found a few papers published in journal articles about the genetics of
orchid pigmentation, published by Japanese researchers.I understand that two of
the genes are expressed when the plant is stimulated by Uv light (both long and
short uv wavelengths. I thought about performing some bioengineering on an
orchid, but alas, I have to graduate. It would probablyu be A good thesis topic.
It's not too farfetched to insert novel genes that express pigmentation
colors, but it's harder in an orchid. I know that corn, a monocot like
orchids, can't use the recombination technique that uses the virus from plant
calluses, but you have to coat tiny gold pellets with DNA and shoot it at the
protocorm or plant with a gun.
Even though there's really know true black pigment in "black" orchids, but
a combination of red and blue pigment, if you could get the right mix of those
genes, you could get an amazing black orchid. Yowza...!
I copied the news article from the linked website.
Cheers, Nancy
USDA Zone 9b
Laelia tenebrosa is blooming, yay!
June 16, 2004
Malaysia Growing Orchids With Unusual Colors
New Straits Times (Malaysia)
To meet demand from orchid enthusiasts, a research centre is resorting to bio-
engineering to produce orchids with unusual colors such as deep red and dark
blue, reports the New Straits Times (Malaysia).
The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) said
there was strong demand for solid-colored orchids.
Orchids grown commercially are mostly light-colored, said Dr Umi Kalsom Abu
Bakar, deputy director of Mardi's bio-technology centre in Serdang.
The centre is waiting for the latest batch of the bio-engineered plants to
bloom.
"Once these have bloomed, we will be able to analyze them to know how colors
are formed in orchids and where we need to genetically enhance them to get the
desired colors," said Umi.
One day, bio-engineering could even produce an orchid with the colors of the
Malaysian flag, Umi said. Research is expected to take one to two years.
The molecular biology of orchids is the latest project at the centre, which is
also working on extending the flowers' shelf life and improving their shape and
structure and resistance to diseases.
"This will add value to the orchids. Farmers can generate more income while
consumers will have more variety and better quality hybrids," Umi said.
To do this, scientists transfer genetic material or genes into single orchid
cells. This transgenic technology allows them to develop hybrids with novel
characteristics such as vivid colors, which are impossible with conventional
methods such as pollination, says the New Straits Times.
"Bio-technology is one of the key technologies needed to improve agriculture as
an income-generating sector," said Mardi molecular biologist Dr Hassan Mat
Daud.
Malaysia's orchid exports bring in RM150 million a year. Agriculture is the
economy's third engine of growth after manufacturing and services, according to
the New Straits Times.
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