Interspecific hybridization of Phalaenopsis hybrids with Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi (Breda) Blume & Rchb.f., hybrid seed germination in vitro and the growth of hybrid plantlets

Abstract

Pollination of Phalaenopsis hybrid white with yellow and pink lips using self-pollination, cross-pollination and interspecific hybridization with Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi (Breda) Blume & Rchb.f. using two types of flowers in different colors and pattern on the petals by hand-pollination in total of seven cross combination was investigated. Result showed a total of five orchid hybrids were produced about 71.43% including two orchid hybrids from self-pollination, one orchid hybrid from cross-pollination and two orchid hybrids from interspecific hybridization. The age and size of mature hybrid pods were 105 d with length of 5.7 cm and width of 1 cm. Hybrid seeds of five orchid hybrids were germinated into protocorms on modified Vacin and Went (1949) agar medium supplemented with 150 ml/l coconut water, 20 g/l sucrose and pH 5.2 about 13.6 d after sowing in the dark at 25±2^oC. Protocorms of orchid hybrids were cultured on modified Vacin and Went (1949) agar medium supplemented with 150 ml/l coconut water, 100 g/l banana, 1 g/l activated charcoal and 20 g/l sucrose at pH 5.2 for 120 d at 25±2^oC under light condition for 16 h/d and the protocorms developed into plantlets. Plantlets of five orchid hybrids were then transplanted into the greenhouse for 30 d, 100% survival was found, leaf color, leaf size and plant height increased. The successful interspecific hybridization of Phalaenopsis hybrid white with yellow lips and pink lips with Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi (Breda) Blume & Rchb.f., Thai orchids can develop into small potted orchids.