MANILA, Philippines - In 1974, the Smithsonian Institution started to build one of the best orchid collections in the world. With a talented and influential staff committee and generous donors, the first five orchids increased to 30,000 species and hybrids, many of which are not traded commercially. These distinguished horticulture collections are displayed throughout the Smithsonian’s 11 buildings in Washington DC for the public to learn and enjoy.
Modern orchid propagation and breeding were stimulated by Aseptic Seed Germination, Meristem Propagation and Orchid Embryo Culture.
Floral Plant Exhibits In The World
During spring, between March and June, international floral exhibits take place in Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Major shows are annually held in Philadelphia and Florida, USA. In Asia, the prominent ones are held in Tokyo, Kunming in China, Taiwan and Chiang Mai, Thailand.
In 2006, I had the privilege of being invited by Kay Siazon to attend the Tokyo Grand Prix Orchid Competition, where Kay exhibited our deep-purple waling-waling.
Engaging High School Students In Tissue Culture
Our OB Montessori Professional High School students, who have been engaged in tissue culture, are experimenting with orchid embryo culture right now with chemist-botanist Ray Ong. Pioneering tissue culture at the OB Montessori Professional High School in 2004 was initiated with Prof. Charuphant Thongtham of Kasetsart University of Bangkok. A special laboratory in Greenhills was set up with Dr. Lilian Pateña, tissue culture expert of UP Los Baños. Today, each of the four OBMC high schools are setting up the Laminar Flow Hoods with a HEPA filter (high efficiency particulate absorption) with UV light in air-conditioned science laboratories to do embryo culture of endemic Ifugao orchid pods from our orchid nursery in Tagaytay.
The technique called embryo culture enables large-scale production and propagation of new varieties and hybrids of valuable orchids, making them more affordable. Unlike the seeds of other flowering plants, orchid seeds are very small and have no endosperm or food source. A cattleya pod can release three to six million pollens. The germination of orchid seeds “in vitro” or inside the bottles is like miniature greenhouses that will protect the seedlings from the hazards of unfavorable environmental conditions and ensure the growing of orchid seedling in great numbers, unlike when found in the wild, where only 10 to 20 percent are likely to survive.
For Our Children, The Stewards Of Our Planet
This article illustrates the splendid collection of orchids and flowers at the Tokyo, Florida and Chiang Mai exhibitions I have attended. By displaying these fascinating rich collections of the world to the public, we will perpetuate the ageless enthusiasm that captures the imagination and intellect of the next generation. After all, our children will be the stewards of our planet.