Phalaenopsis Kenneth Schubert "virgin seedpod" experiment

[Azizan]

I am experimenting again. I read a journal somewhere (forgot to bookmark it) they used NAA to induce seedpod before pollination of Dendrobium hybrids. They used one drop of NAA into stigma cavities of the Dendrobium, 24 hours later they pollinated the treated flowers. In the results, it was stated that NAA treated but non-pollinated flowers did not form any seedpods, which is relevant. Whereas the NAA treated and pollinated flowers produce seedpods of improved size.

So, I try to use that method on my Phal Kenneth Schubert. But 24 hours after NAA treatment, all columns are destroyed except one which is closed WITHOUT ANY POLLEN in it. I thought, "I should have pollinated it earlier without waiting 24 hours." And I thought they are goner anyway, so I let it be. To my surprise the ovaries started to swell and I have never get this to happen on my Phal Kenneth Schubert before. So far only one has drop maybe because it was a very old flower. I am not sure what will happen, we will see how it goes. It could be a "pseudo pregnancy" but I would call it a virgin seedpod because no pollen is used.

From this experiment, I learned that maybe my Phal Kenneth Schubert is lacking of hormones to get the seedpod to develop.

[raybark]

Th ovaries might be swelling due to the auxins, but it's likely a "false pregnancy."

[Azizan]

Th ovaries might be swelling due to the auxins, but it's likely a "false pregnancy."

Agreed, we will see how big it is going to get and how long it is going to stay. But, I finally figured out a way to get my Phal Kenneth Schubert to develop seedpod. If I get new flowers, I will try putting in pollen next time.

[Chris in Hamilton]

What is NAA? Nothing comes up when I use that search term.

[Azizan]

What is NAA? Nothing comes up when I use that search term.

It is abbreviation for naphthaleneacetic acid which is a type of auxin.

[Chris in Hamilton]

Thanks! I pollinated a couple of Dendrobium last week. Interesting how the lip curls up and closes but the flower remains fresh looking.

[Azizan]

Thanks! I pollinated a couple of Dendrobium last week. Interesting how the lip curls up and closes but the flower remains fresh looking.

Yes. It is fascinating to observe pollination process.
Best of luck to you.

[Azizan]

I am regretting
The seed pod is developing so fast but I will not get any seeds!

[DeborahHarrell]

What's the solution to get it then?

[Azizan]

What's the solution to get it then?

By trial and error. Unless you could dig up orchid breeder's secret on how they could successfully get seed pod with viable seeds. I suspect that they sell the sterile and keep the fertile for breeding purpose. I have tried pollinating my orchids several years now but zero result.