Morphological characterization in Mokara Orchids

Abstract

Morphological characterization is the basic tool for improvement programme of orchids which is required for conducting Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing to provide and promote an effective system of plant variety protection. It provides rights for breeders and farmers to exploit or develop new plant varieties, to allow access to foreign varieties with widen gene pool, to promote intensive breeding activities and to prevent unauthorized varieties exploitations. In the present study, 8 hybrids of Mokara orchids were evaluated during 2017-18 for development of common descriptors. Usually, healthy and insect pest and disease free plants are selected for taking morphological observations without any chemical and bio-physical treatment and grown in warm and humid green houses with standard package of practices. Out of 61 common descriptors developed, plant width, number of flowers/inflorescence, flower length,  flower width in front view, dorsal sepal main colour, lateral sepal main colour, petal main colour, lip apical lobe main colour and throat colour of lip  were used for classified as  grouping characteristics of hybrids.