Breeding of a Medium-Sized and fragrant <i>Cymbidium</i> ‘Aroma Pink’

Abstract

We report a new hybrid Cymbidium, ‘Aroma Pink,’ bred at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, in 2017. The hybrid was derived from the cross of C. Lucky Rainbow ‘Lapin Hot’ and C. eburneum in 2000. After the artificial crossing, 120 seedlings were obtained through in vitro seed germination and seedling acclimatization in a greenhouse. Based on a number of characteristics, including flower color, leaf shape, flower stalk, and vigorous growth, three initial lines were selected. The first and second trials for characteristics were conducted from 2011 to 2016, confirming the stability and uniformity of the three lines, and one final line, coded ‘00-1174-100’, was selected as ‘Wongyuo F1-62’ and named ‘Aroma Pink.’ This hybrid is a medium-sized plant with white petals (WNN155D), light pink colored sepals (RP62D), and yellow lip (Y2B). The flower has an incurved shape and the dimensions are 6.1 cm (length) and 5.2 cm (width), making it a relatively compact flower. Overall, its shape and size resemble that of its female parent, but instead of a dark red lip, it has a yellow lip that is similar to the male parent, giving a bright overlook rather than an intense impression. Each plant has 2.9 stalks on average and 6.5 flowers attached on each stalk. Although the number of flowers is relatively less, the flower has a delicate fragrance that is similar to that of C. eburneum. In addition, the new hybrid has a stable shape with erect peduncle and less drooping leaves. ‘Aroma Pink’ begins to bloom from March, under normal cultivation and without the need of moving it to a high altitude area. Although the color of the flower can become blurred in high temperature during flowering season, this hybrid is easy to cultivate and manage.