Scientists genetically make a blue Phal

[Ron-NY]

Just came across this article about Scientists make world's 1st blue orchid
Genetic engineering use to create blue flower


OKINAWA, Japan (NBC/EBU) - Japanese scientists say they've created a rare blue orchid.

Researchers at Chiba University claim to have used genetic engineering to cultivate the world's first blue phalaenopsis aphrodite.

Its blue flowers were shown to reporters Saturday before its public debut at an exhibition of orchids in Okinawa Prefecture.

Japanese broadcaster NHK said the research team used genes from blue Asiatic dayflowers to create the orchid.

Its flowers are around 5 centimeters across.

It's a little smaller than the phalaenopsis aphrodite seen in nature, but one plant reportedly produces nearly 30 flowers.

[chrisa]

I may want one of these...provided they don not put a $1,000 price tag on it. Typically how long does a new orchid take to go on the market?

[pavel]

Figured it was only a matter of time. At least anyone who buys one of these won't be disappointed when it reblooms. The blue does have a more ... shall I say "natural"? ... tone to it than the blue dyed ones.

Seems a bit like "cheating" though. I'm more impressed by the efforts of hybridizers who work within natural limits.

[catttan]

Very interesting! Will wait and see further development, Thanks for the info.

[Ron-NY]

If they are going to mericlone it then I would say 4 years. I bet there will not be a large price tag on it for I suspect it will be grown for flower market sales.

I may want one of these...provided they don not put a $1,000 price tag on it. Typically how long does a new 'chid take to go on the market?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Thanks for the information, Ron.

cheers,
BD

[leafmite]

Ooh! That is just gorgeous!!!!
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[max]

This is very interesting, can't wait to see how this develops for the market.

[Magnus A]

This is interesting! But what about the GMO debate? This is a genetically modified organism and this generates alot of feelings around the world.

I must say that I bother more about the blue color (just wrong) than the genetics!

[gardenguysorchids]

Some how the color just doesn't grab me. Perhaps that is due to the way it was created. I attended an orchid workshop a year ago and one of the speakers talked about this. He was attending meetings in Japan and toured a facility that was involved in genetic testing. There were many areas that were off limits to the tour and cameras were forbidden in the facility. He said there was a lot of things being tried with orchids in particular. This is an area of science that gets a bit frightening.