Interspecific and Intergeneric Crossability of Some Habenaria and Pecteilis, Terrestrial Orchids

Abstract

Interspecific and intergeneric crossability of some Habenaria and Pecteilis were evaluated in order to obtain a basic information for selecting good crosses that yield desirable hybrids.  Six species of Habenaria and Pecteilis were employed for selfing, interspecific, and intergeneric hybridization.  It was found that number of fruit set of selfing, interspecific, and intergeneric hybridization of these species were 84.7, 88.2, and 77.5%, respectively.  Seed pods were harvested and seeds were germinated under in vitro condition.  Seeds derived from selfing could germinate within 113 days at about 10 to 20% germination.  Those of interspecific crosses could germinate within 140 days at about 20 to 30% germination, whereas those of intergeneric crosses had not yet germinated within 6 months.  Seed viability was tested and it was found that viable seeds from selfing, interspecific, and intergeneric crosses were 37.6, 42.0, and 12.6%, respectively.