Progeny evaluation from the crossing of novelty-type phalaenopsis I Hsin Bee x Phalaenopsis pulcherrima var. champorensis

Abstract

The floriculture industry has rapidly developed in Indonesia. One of the potential genera of orchids is Phalaenopsis. New varieties must be developed to compete with imported ones. Genetic improvement of Phalaenopsis has been carried out through interspecific and intergeneric crossing - the crossing between P. I Hsin Bee x P. pulcherrima var. champorensis is dedicated to introduce harlequin type to P. pulcherrima. Forty progenies of the first generation (F1 ) and their parents are used for the characterization and evaluation. The results show that P. pulcherrima is more dominant (50%) in flower shape and colour based on the progeny composition. The introduction of the harlequin type into P. pulcherrima is indicated by 35% of progenies have dark color at the flower and matched with the spotted pattern of the female parent, indicating that the female contributed partially to the respected traits. The progenies are divided into five distinct groups based on nine qualitative characteristics. Three progenies, namely D829-4, D829-6, and D829-8, are considered to have prominent features, such as more stable and symmetric coalescence of red-brownish blotches on the flowers, representing harlequin type than other progenies. These progenies will potentially be developed to be commercial varieties.