Anthurium and Dendrobium Orchid Breeding At the University of Hawaii

Anthurium and dendrobium orchid are major floriculture crops in Hawaii. Breeding research at the University of Hawaii aided in the development of these industries from backyard and hobby growing to larger operations. Basic research on orchid cytogenetics at the University of Hawaii from the 1940’s to the 1960’s laid the foundation for the development of the dendrobium breeding program. In 1950, the anthurium breeding program was initiated. Classical breeding methods utilizing intersectional, interspecific hybridization and polyploidy, resulted in the naming and release of 32 cut flower and potted plant dendrobium cultivars. Research on cytogenetics, intersectional hybridization and genetics studies on color inheritance were instrumental in the naming and release of 44 anthurium cultivars. Molecular and genetic engineering studies contributed to a greater understanding of flower color and Cymbidium Mosaic Virus resistance in dendrobium, and bacterial blight resistance in anthurium.