Research on Orchid Biology and Biotechnology

Abstract

Orchidaceae constitute one of the largest families of angiosperms. They are one of the most ecological and evolutionary significant plants and have successfully colonized almost every habitat on earth. Because of the significance of plant biology, market needs and the current level of breeding technologies, basic research into orchid biology and the application of biotechnology in the orchid industry are continually endearing scientists to orchids in Taiwan. In this introductory review, we give an overview of the research activities in orchid biology and biotechnology, including the status of genomics, transformation technology, flowering regulation, molecular regulatory mechanisms of floral development, scent production and color presentation. This information will provide a broad scope for study of orchid biology and serve as a starting point for uncovering the mysteries of orchid evolution.

Can a high red: Far red ratio replace temperature-induced inflorescence development in Phalaenopsis?

“…During the vegetative stage starting from potting young plants into a bark substrate (approximately 28 weeks at 28-30 C), new leaves develop with two undifferentiated buds at each node (Hsiao et al, 2011). Subsequently, during flower induction (approximately 6-9 weeks 19 C), the top bud elongates and develops into a flower inflorescence (Wang, 1995).…”

“…Subsequently, during flower induction (approximately 6-9 weeks 19 C), the top bud elongates and develops into a flower inflorescence (Wang, 1995). There are three main processes involved: (1) bud break, (2) growth of the inflorescence, and (3) initiation of flower buds when the inflorescence is about 5 cm long (Lopez and Runkle, 2005;Hsiao et al, 2011). During the flowering phase (8-10 weeks) the inflorescence will continue to grow, flower buds will develop and start to bloom.…”

Comparative proteomic analysis of Phalaenopsis leaves in the vegetative and flowering phase

“…The ectopic expression of PhFT can partially complement the late flowering defect in transgenic Arabidopsis ft-1 mutants ). Studies of the flowering genes in Phalaenopsis have been limited (Hsiao et al 2011), and very little is known about the changes in metabolites and the proteome that occur during the flowering process. Thus, the molecular mechanisms of flowering require further investigation.…”

Genetic Transformation for Quality Improvement in Ornamental Climbers

“…Lots of reports are available in literature on transfer of these traits in ornamental plants, e.g. modifi cation of fl ower colour (Auer 2008 ;Underwood and Clarke 2011 ), identifi cation of some important genes which is related to fragrance production (Guterman et al 2002 ;Colquhoun et al 2010 ) and their regulation also (Spitzer-Rimon et al 2010 ), development of abiotic stress resistance (Warner 2011 ) and transfer of some useful genes for disease resistance (Hsiao et al 2011 ) and pest resistance (Shinoyama and Mochizuki 2006 ). Recently, as a signifi cant achievement, Dendranthema grandifl orum was engineered to produce caffeine showing aphid resistance (Kim et al 2011 ).…”

“…A review on the potential of GM crops to improve leaf and fl ower longevity in transgenic ornamental crops was published by Underwood and Clarke ( 2011 ). Other improvements to ornamental plants could be possible through genetic modifi cations which include the form and architecture of plants and/or fl owers Narumi et al 2008 ;Khodakovskaya et al 2009 ;Meng et al 2009 ;Thiruvengadam and Yang 2009 ;Lütken et al 2010 ;Sun et al 2011 ), modifi cation in response to day length (Franklin and Whitelam 2006 ;Shulga et al 2009 ), modifi cation of fl owering time (Hsiao et al 2011 ;Shulga et al 2011 ) or introduction of genes for herbicide tolerance (Harriman et al 2006 ).…”