BREEDING AROIDS AND ORCHIDS FOR QUALITY, PRODUCTIVITY, AND DISEASE/PEST RESISTANCE WITH EMPHASIS ON ANTHURIUM AND DENDROBIUM

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0217193
• Project Start Date: Nov 1, 2008
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2013
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF HAWAII
3190 MAILE WAY
HONOLULU,HI 96822

Performing Department
Tropical Plant & Soil Science

Non Technical Summary
Cut-flower and potted aroids and orchids are major ornamental commodities for Hawaii and for global trade. By combining biotechnology with hybridization breeding, this revised project will result in continued development of new anthurium and dendrobium cultivars to contribute to further growth of the U.S. floriculture industry. In the previous anthurium project period (2002-2007), we developed 10 new Anthurium cultivars, improved tissue culture and transformation, and investigated a combination of organic and transgenic control of bacterial disease. During the previous orchid project period (2001-2005), we developed four new Dendrobium cultivars, cloned and characterized 12 previously unknown orchid genes, assessed pigment distribution and epidermal cell shape in Dendrobium species and hybrids, and initiated development of transgenic orchids with resistance to critical orchid diseases and novel traits. The goals of the current project are to create new varieties and breeding parents, maintain and disseminate germplasm, and to continue to expand basic knowledge of genetics, color, disease resistance and flowering using biotechnology, molecular biology, and hybridization. Outcome indicators include growth in floriculture value and acreage in State, growth of anthuriums and other aroids and orchids in domestic and international market, sustained or increased plant orders of UH varieties, royalties collected from plant patents, application of scientific advance to important commodities like aroids and orchids through varietal development.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
201	2121	1040	10%
201	2121	1081	10%
201	2122	1081	10%
202	2121	1040	10%
202	2121	1081	15%
202	2122	1081	15%
204	2121	1081	15%
204	2122	1081	15%

Knowledge Area
204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest); 202 - Plant Genetic Resources; 201 - Plant Genome, Genetics, and Genetic Mechanisms;

Subject Of Investigation
2121 - Cut flowers, foliage, and greens; 2122 - Potted plants;

Field Of Science
1040 - Molecular biology; 1081 - Breeding;

Keywords

anthurium, dendrobium, aroids, orchids, biotechnology,, cultivar

development, cut flowers, flower color, gene expression, gene

regulation, genetic engineering, germplasm, new varieties, plant

breeding, disease resistance, potted plants, tissue culture, organic

Goals / Objectives
GOALS: 1. Develop and disseminate anthurium and orchid cultivars, addressing current expectations of industries with respect to production and horticultural traits and established customer preferences. 2. Provide cultivars that are the basis for new trends in anthurium and dendrobium markets with new shapes, colors, uses as cut flowers, potted plants, foliage plants, landscaping and interior design. 3. Use molecular tools to complement other approaches to answering questions on the plant biology of these ornamental crops. 4. Develop and expand knowledge of germplasm, breeding behavior, molecular biology and biochemistry of aroids and orchids. EXPECTED OUTPUTS: Publications, new varieties, new methodologies

Project Methods
OBJECTIVES 1 and 2: Aroids-Evaluation of crosses made during the previous research period will be continued. 25 new crosses will be made yearly. Seed from these crosses will be grown and flowered. Plants with promising customer-preferred characteristics will be selected, repotted and evaluated for 2 to 3 years. Data to be accumulated are according to Kuehnle et al. 1996a,1996b. Promising selections will be tissue cultured to allow advance testing in grower-cooperators' fields for about 2 years. Orchids-Evaluations of crosses made during the previous research period will be continued. 10 new crosses will be made per year for seed-propagated or clonally-propagated cultivars. Seed from these crosses will be germinated and flowered. Flowered plants with promising customer-preferred characteristics will be selected, repotted and evaluated for 2 to 3 years. Data to be accumulated are yield, seasonality, spray length, number of flowers per spray, keeping quality, and bud drop, and are analyzed using the standard analysis of variance/means testing. Outstanding individual plants will be cloned for advance testing with cooperating growers, resources permitting. For both aroids and orchids, growers will be queried on further evaluation for variety performance. This effort will be considered successful with the naming and release of one or more improved varieties. OBJECTIVE 3-Molecular tools will be used to complement other approaches to answering questions on the plant biology of these ornamental crops, including transcriptional regulators for tcp-like and myb-like sequences. The orchid sequences will be expressed whenever possible in model plants such as petunia (Mudalige-Jayawickrama et al. 2005; Hieber et al. 2006). Foliar and floral attributes will be assessed. Peer-reviewed publications and potential novel lines are intended as the outcome. Molecular analyses of transgenic white Dendrobium Jaquelyn Thomas UH800 will be continued such that plants/lines carrying the gene of interest can be identified and placed in tissue culture (Kuehnle et al. 2004c). OBJECTIVE 4-Plant accessions will continue to be introduced to expand our germplasm, and will be evaluated in detail and pictorially (Ehrenberger et al 2003). Molecular biology tools such as Southern and Northern analyses and in situ tissue hybridization will examine color gene expression in cyanogenic and acyanogenic lines using probes for dihydroflavonol reductase and others as available. Color and form structural gene and transcription factor expression in different development stages of flowering using probes for cloned sequences in the phenylpropanoid, carotenoid pathways and their regulatory elements, and DNA sequence markers such as ISSR will trace genetic relationships in orchids and will be investigated. Further studies on organ culture of species and hybrids will continue for germplasm maintenance and dissemination according to industry and scientific research needs. An anthurium germplasm plot established previously in Hilo will be maintained and expanded to include new cultivars.

Progress 11/01/08 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include the industry commodity groups in Hawaii: Hawaii Flower and Nursery Association, Hawaii Anthurium Industry Association, Orchid Growers Organization of Hawaii and Tropical Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii (formerly Dendrobium Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii), and participants in the Risk Management School Symposium. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Visit and meeting with officers of the Hawaii Floriculture Nursery Association, anthurium cooperators in April 2013. Progress report delivered at the 2013 Hawaii Floriculture Risk Management School Symposium. Hilo, Hawaii. June 25, 2013. Field day at Floral Resources Farm on June 26, 2013 in conjunction with the 2013 Hawaii Floriculture Risk Management School. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A total of thirty-one anthurium lines were placed into tissue culture with the following objectives: 21 selections for clonal multiplication and further observation prior to advance testing with cooperators on the Island of Hawaii; 1 selection for germplasm storage, 2 accessions for germplasm storage, 2 UH-developed varieties and 5 named non-UH varieties for germplasm storage and triple-indexing. Two selections, orange UH1992 and red UH2237 were distributed to cooperators for advance testing, and 5 selections were dropped from field trials due to poor field performance for a total of 17 anthurium selections undergoing field testing. Twenty-three dendrobium crosses were germinated for cut flower or potted plant production, novel flower color (blue, peach and red) or germplasm improvement. Indexing of ‘Ellison Onizuka’ anthurium was completed; to date, 6 commercial varieties and 28 University of Hawaii-released varieties have been triple indexed. Indexing of in vitro stock material ensures that propagules for field planting are disease-free. Sixty-six seed pods of 12 previously released cut flower varieties were provided to the Orchid Growers of Hawaii to fulfill stakeholders’ needs for growing material.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Amore, T.D. 2013. Dendrobium breeding at the University of Hawaii. Proceedings 11th Asia Pacific Orchid Conference. Okinawa, Japan. Pp. 126-129.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Amore, T.D. 2013. Anthurium and Dendrobium Breeding at the University of Hawaii. 2013 Hawaii Floriculture Risk Management School Symposium. Hilo, Hawaii. June 26, 2013.

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A total of 17 anthurium lines were placed into tissue culture with the following objectives: 15 selections for clonal multiplication and further observation prior to advance testing with cooperators on the Island of Hawaii; 1 accession and 1 named variety for germplasm storage and triple-indexing. Twenty-two anthurium selections are undergoing field testing with cooperators. Seven dendrobium crosses were germinated for cut flower or potted plant production, novel flower color and germplasm improvement. The Orchid Growers Organization of Hawaii was provided with 30 seed pods of the University of Hawaii-developed varieties: UH306, UH503, UH800, UH1121, UH1382, UH1427 and UH1577. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals- CoPI Dr. Teresita D. Amore - hybridization and evaluation of anthurium and dendrobium crosses, placement of selections in tissue culture for multiplication and further evaluation with cooperators. Collaborator- Dr. Rasika G. Mudalige-Jayawickrama - molecular studies on Dendrobium flower structure. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the industry commodity groups in Hawaii, namely, Hawaii Anthurium Industry Association, Orchid Growers Organization of Hawaii and Tropical Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii (formerly known as Dendrobium Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Tissue culture propagules of Kuuipo, Apapane, Iiwi, three red anthurium varieties released in 2011, were turned over to the industry propagation laboratory, enabling stakeholders to place orders for their field planting needs. Indexing of New Pahoa Red, Manoa Mist and Kozohara anthurium was completed: to date, 7 commercial varieties and 30 University of Hawaii-released varieties have been triple indexed.

Publications

• Amore, T.D. 2012. Update on UH Anthurium and Dendrobium Breeding Program. 2012 Hawaii Floriculture Risk Management School Symposium. Hilo, Hawaii. July 24, 2012.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A total of 46 anthurium lines were placed into tissue culture with the following objectives: 31 selections for clonal multiplication and further observation prior to advance testing with cooperators on the Island of Hawaii; 6 accessions and 9 named varieties for germplasm storage and triple-indexing. Three new red anthurium cultivars were released: Kuuipo,Apapane and Iiwi. Seventeen dendrobium crosses were germinated during FY2011 for cut flower or potted plant production, novel flower color and germplasm improvement. The Orchid Growers Organization of Hawaii was provided with seed pods of University of Hawaii-developed varieties UH306, UH503, UH1121 and UH1747. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals CoPI Dr. Teresita D. Amore hybridization and evaluation of anthurium and dendrobium crosses, placement of selections in tissue culture for multiplication and further evaluation with cooperators. Collaborator Dr. Rasika G. Mudalige Jayawickrama molecular studies on Dendrobium flower structure TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the industry commodity groups in Hawaii, namely, Hawaii Anthurium Industry Association, Orchid Growers Organization of Hawaii and Tropical Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii (formerly known as Dendrobium Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
We continued to triple index University of Hawaii advance test selections to ensure that our stock material in tissue culture is free of bacteria. Once the advance selection is deemed suitable for naming and release, triple indexed propagules of the new variety can be turned over to commercial laboratories contracted by our stakeholders to clone bacteria-free plant materials for field cropping.

Publications

• Amore, T. D. 2011. Anthurium and Dendrobium Orchid Breeding at the University of Hawaii. American Society for Horticulture Science Workshop on Ornamental Breeding in the Pacific Rim Region, Waikoloa, Hawaii. September 2011
• Amore, T. D. 2011. Progress Report: Dendrobium Orchid Breeding at the University of Hawaii. Tropical Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii. June 2011
• Lichty, J., Amore, T. and Nagata, R. 2011. Anthurium Flora Heart of Hawaii. Hawaii Tribune Herald. February 13, 2011.
• Amore, T.D., Lichty,J. S., Kuehnle, A. R., Kamemoto, H., Kunisaki, J. T., and Uchida, J. Y. 2011. Apapane and Iiwi anthurium. University of Hawaii CTAHR NPH-12.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Five anthurium crosses were made and germinated at the Magoon Facility during FY2010. Nine crosses made in 2008 by co-PI Joanne Lichty were shipped from Waiakea and are being grown out at Magoon for evaluation. These crosses include improved reds, whites and obakes. Two crosses were germinated in vitro for clonal propagation of individual lines for the marker-assisted project. A total of 24 selections were placed into tissue culture with the following objectives: 14 selections for clonal multiplication and advance testing with cooperators on the Big Island; 7 cultivars for industry needs and 3 species for germplasm storage and triple-indexing. Thirty-six dendrobium crosses were germinated during FY2010 for cut flower or potted plant production, novel flower color and germplasm improvement .The Big Island Dendrobium Growers Association of Hawaii received 30 seed pods and the Dendrobium Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii received 33 pods. Growers are still requesting seed propagated cultivars developed by the University of Hawaii. Parent plants are being rejuvenated and maintained to fulfill long-standing requests of the growers groups for varieties. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals- CoPI Dr. Teresita D. Amore - hybridization and evaluation of anthurium and dendrobium crosses, placement of selections in tissue culture for multiplication and further evaluation with cooperators. Collaborator- Dr. Rasika G. Mudalige-Jayawickrama - molecular studies on Dendrobium flower structure. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the industry commodity groups in Hawaii, namely, Hawaii Anthurium Industry Association, Orchid Growers Organization of Hawaii and Tropical Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii (formerly Dendrobium Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
We continued to triple index University of Hawaii-released varieties, which are in demand by the anthurium industry. Triple indexing assures the growers that the plant material they receive is free of bacteria. Twenty-five commercial varieties in the in vitro germplasm collection completed three rounds of indexing. Rejuvenation of dendrobium parent materials resulted in healthy parent plants that produced seed material for the industry associations.

Publications

• Amore, T. 2009. Breeding dendrobum orchids in Hawaii-Current status and perspectives. Pages 83-98 in Chen, FC, MS Guu and SW Chin (eds.). Proc . International Symposium on the Development of Agricultural Crop Production, National Ping Tung Univ, Taiwan.

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: In FY 2009, fifteen new anthurium crosses, intended to improve product quality and increased tolerance to bacterial blight, were germinated. Four new anthurium selections were identified as being of potential commercial value and thus were placed into tissue culture so that sufficient numbers can be grown and evaluated at cooperators' farms. Eight new dendrobium crosses, intended for either potted plant production or white cut flower production, were germinated. We transferred to orchid growers groups 29 seed pods of 4 cultivars which are in high demand amongst the dendrobium growers. Parent plants used for dendrobium orchid breeding were rejuvenated in the greenhouse, after being subjected to sub-optimal growing conditions during greenhouse renovation during FY2007 and FY2008. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals- CoPI Dr. Teresita D. Amore - hybridization and evaluation of anthurium and dendrobium crosses, placement of selections in tissue culture for multiplication and further evaluation with cooperators. Collaborator- Dr. Rasika G. Mudalige-Jayawickrama - molecular studies on Dendrobium flower structure. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include the industry commodity groups in Hawaii, namely, Hawaii Anthurium Industry Association, Orchid Growers Organization of Hawaii and Tropical Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii (formerly Dendrobium Orchid Growers Association of Hawaii). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: In the submitted proposal, we indicated that 25 new anthurium crosses were to be made yearly. Due to space and manpower limitations, we are reducing the number of crosses to 15 per year.

Impacts
Triple indexing is an invaluable tool in controlling bacterial blight, the most serious disease affecting anthuriums in production, because growers can start with disease-free planting materials when fields are replanted. Eleven commercial varieties in the in vitro germplasm collection, completed three rounds of indexing. Included among the indexed varieties are the very blight-susceptible Marian Seefurth, Regina and Rudolf. Should growers require tissue culture starting materials, we are able to supply blight-free propagules. Rejuvenation of dendrobium parent materials resulted in seed material which germinated and grew readily. Healthy seedlings during the germination phase in tissue culture laboratories grow to healthy growing plants in field production.

Publications

• Amore, T. D. and A. R. Kuehnle. 2009. Dendrobium breeding in Hawaii. First Thailand International Orchid Innovation Show, Bangkok, Thailand, July 22, 2009. Available: http://tiois.doae.go.th/home/TIOIS%20orchid/006_2009%20TIOS%20Amore%2 0Part%201_2003.pdf, http://tiois.doae.go.th/home/TIOIS%20orchid/005_2009%20TIOS%20Amore%2 0Part2_2003.pdf
• Mudalige-Jayawickrama R. G., K. Busch, R. Sudmoon, and T.D. Amore. 2009. Molecular genetics of floral symmetry in Dendrobium orchids (abstract). American Society of Plant Biologists, Honolulu, Hawaii. July 2009. Available: http://abstracts.aspb.org/pb2009/public/P56/P56013.html