Jerry Fischer who said: >Being that the system that is place doesn't work now we should just >forget about trying to regulate flasks. It can't be done.
On this point I agree with you Jerry. I would add to "can't be done," "and should not be done." In my opinion, flasks should not be regulated at all, if we are serious about orchid conservation. Mass in-vitro propagation of any orchid species, but particularly of an endangered one, should be encouraged in order to preserve the species; regulating flasks discourages this and works against conservation. There are those who will argue that seed collecting of endangered orchid species should be discouraged. I disagree, for collecting seeds of wild populations is less threatening to the species than digging them up. Mass propagation from collected seeds preserves the species, brings the price down and discourages wild collecting of plants by making it non-profitable. peter _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
