Breeding of Small and Medium-Sized Cymbidium 'Sodam' with a Floral Scent

Abstract

Cymbidium 'Sodam', derived from a cross between 'Baek Un' and 'Lapin Rose' in 2000, was bred by the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration in 2015. After artificial crossing, 120 seedlings were obtained through in vitro seed germination and seedling acclimatization in a greenhouse. On the basis of mature plant characteristics, including flower color, plant size, leaf shape, flower stalk, and vigorous growth, three lines were initially selected. The first and second trials for characteristics were conducted from 2009 to 2014, which enabled confirmation of the stability and uniformity of the three lines. Amongst these, the final line, with the code '00-1023-20', was selected as 'Wongyuo F1-58.' After evaluating consumer preferences, the line was subsequently named 'Sodam'. This hybrid is a small-to medium-sized cultivar with more than 10 pink flowers per stalk and an average number of 3.8 stalks. The relatively compact flower has an incurved shape with a width and length of 6.0 and 5.0 cm, respectively. Furthermore, the plants have short erect stalks and leaves (length 51.7 and 69.5 cm, respectively), showing good properties with respect to potting. The flowers have a fragrance similar to that of the female parent 'Baek Un'. 'Sodam' commences flowering in early December. The proliferative ability of 'Sodam' is comparable to that of the control cultivar, and it is anticipated that this will facilitate mass proliferation for commercial use (Registration No. 6749).