Orchid Research Research Articles

Bibliometric Analysis of a Decade Orchidaceae Research: A Comprehensive Study in the Agriculture Field

Orchidaceae is a family of flowering plants esteemed in numerous countries globally, so they are a promising subject for further exploration. The evolution of Orchidaceae research over the past decade is a foundation for identifying areas warranting deeper investigation. bibliographic analysis based on the Scopus database was used to elucidate the advancements in research over a decade. We brought data on an increasing number of publications between 1943 to 2023. About 7139 documents were found about orchid research, and 59% were in agriculture filtered by subject area, from around 2013 until 2023. America and Asia have the most significant number of Orchidaceae species, approximately 12000. However, China stands out with many publications with a high citation rate. Regarding the organization that publishes the journal, from 16204 organizations, the University of Chinese Academy is a prominent contributor characterized by substantial collaboration in advancing orchid research. Furthermore, the co-occurrence and all keywords indicating genetics, biodiversity, and taxonomy have been used as basis research topics in the last ten years. With additional analyses and reviews, this bibliometric analysis demonstrates that the research on Orchidaceae, specifically in agriculture, thrives every decade. Hence, we recommend future orchid conservation and research that should focus on the current gaps in knowledge and practice, including species distributions, management of species, and threats of extinction for developing or creating new cultivars to intensify a high potential commercial value.

REBUILDING OF ORCHID GERMPLASM CONSERVATION VIA MOLECULAR MULTI-OMICS APPROACHES

The Orchidaceae family, the world’s second-largest flowering plant, dominates the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Threats to orchid survival include illegal harvesting, habitat destruction, temperature change, and unique association requirements in pollination systems and orchid mycorrhiza interaction. Some research breakthroughs in ex-situ and in-situ germplasm integration techniques for conservation application, including automated precision approaches in orchid research. Exsitu conservation approaches, including gene bank, seed bank, cryopreservation, field gene bank, and in-vitro culture, can play indispensable roles in the success of orchid conservation and preservation, especially for endangered orchids. Recently, multi-omics technology emerged as an important tool to bridge the knowledge gaps in orchid conservation so more effective measurement could take place. These provide a good conservation framework that confluences with technology and knowledge.

You don’t have to kill the orchids – good practices in orchid research

You don’t have to kill the orchids – good practices in orchid research

A new species of the genus Octomeria (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) from Ecuador

A new species of Octomeria was found during an orchid research expedition in the southern Ecuadorian Amazon. Octomeria jimenezii is described and illustrated, and information on its distribution, habitat and conservation status is provided. The newly proposed taxon is morphologically similar to O. pacii, from which it differs by the lower lateral lobes, with an obtuse to subacute angle to the anterior margin.

Advances in orchid research in East Macedonia (NE Greece) and the importance of current data in furthering our understanding of the orchids’ altitudinal requirements

High-quality data on species distribution and knowledge of species ecology are necessary pre-requisites for their effective conservation. In the European Union, a network of protected areas called the “Natura 2000 network” was set up to conserve the most valuable and threatened species. The Natura 2000 network was supposed to improve rare species conservation, but has it? In this paper, an analysis of data collected from 1 × 1 km grids on the distribution of orchids in East Macedonia (NE Greece) in two consecutive periods of time (before and after 2010), revealed the degree to which a larger data set (including both periods instead of only one) improved our knowledge of the distributions of species and whether the Natura 2000 network can be used as a basis for the conservation of the orchid flora in this area. When the data for the first period and cumulative data for both periods were compared, orchid species richness and density were very similar. However, comparison of the two datasets showed that more orchid taxa were recorded per grid in the first than the second period. However, based on the surveys in the second period, the knowledge on orchid distribution increased significantly. In particular, ten orchid taxa were recorded for the first time in East Macedonia during the second period and significantly more (54.79 % of the total number of species) were recorded. This resulted in a better understanding of their altitudinal requirements. It also confirmed that most of the orchid-rich grid cells in East Macedonia overlap with the Natura 2000 network, which highlights importance of Natura 2000 for orchid conservation.

Current status of Paphiopedilum fairrieanum (Orchidaceae)– An endangered orchid of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Paphiopedilum fairrieanum is categorized as Critically Endangered in the IUCN red list of threatened species. The species is found only in India, Bhutan and Nepal with a very restricted distribution. Due to over-exploitation for horticultural purpose, more than 95% of the population has lost in the past few decades (probably between 1984-2014). In Arunachal Pradesh, the species is found in West Kameng district with a small population size. During the year 2017-2021, many field explorations were conducted by Orchid Research Centre, Tipi to know the current status of this species in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Four locations were identified with less than 200 mature plants. Area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated as 16 km2 and extent of occurrence (EOO) is about 137 km2. Based on this, the species is categorized as Endangered (EN) at Arunachal Pradesh Regional level. The largest habitat of Paphiopedilum fairrieanum was measured at Munna-Camp (71 hectares), followed by Gaccham (68 hectares), Tenga-Ledge (15 hectares) and the smallest was measured at Salari (5 hectares). All these areas are owned by local communities and are facing many anthropogenic threats.

Delineating genome-wide alternative splicing landscapes and their functional significance in orchids

Orchids are one of the most attractive groups of flowers with exceptional morphological diversity and high commercial value. Orchid plants are evolved to thrive in diverse habitats under different climatic conditions. Alternative splicing (AS) is an important post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism to modulate transcript diversity for necessary physiological functions in plants. Present study deals with the genome-wide AS landscapes and their functional relevance in six orchid species, information on which was inadequate so far. A total of 180 transcriptome datasets representing different tissues and treatments were chosen from the orchid taxa with well-annotated, publicly accessible genome asssemblies. Cleaned RNA-seq reads were aligned against corresponding reference genomes followed by de-novo transcriptome assembly and detection of novel AS events with significant read support. Alternative acceptor sites (A3S) and intron retentions (IR) were the most prevalent type of AS events. Under cold acclimation, exon skipping events were observed to be elevated in D. officinale leaves. Incidences of intron retentions were elevated in response to pathogen stress, that further amplified offering jasmonate mediated immunity in D. catenatum. GO enrichment of AS-affected genes suggested that most of them are functionally involved in cellular metabolism and RNA processing. A major fraction of genes could be detected that are not differentially expressed in general, however, specific splice variants of them are significantly up/down-regulated with the biotic or abiotic stress mediated responses. Functional information on the AS-affected genes and expressional dynamics of the resultant isoforms would serve as potential genomic resources for orchid research.

Advances and prospects of orchid research and industrialization.

Orchidaceae is one of the largest, most diverse families in angiosperms with significant ecological and economical values. Orchids have long fascinated scientists by their complex life histories, exquisite floral morphology and pollination syndromes that exhibit exclusive specializations, more than any other plants on Earth. These intrinsic factors together with human influences also make it a keystone group in biodiversity conservation. The advent of sequencing technologies and transgenic techniques represents a quantum leap in orchid research, enabling molecular approaches to be employed to resolve the historically interesting puzzles in orchid basic and applied biology. To date, 16 different orchid genomes covering four subfamilies (Apostasioideae, Vanilloideae, Epidendroideae, and Orchidoideae) have been released. These genome projects have given rise to massive data that greatly empowers the studies pertaining to key innovations and evolutionary mechanisms for the breadth of orchid species. The extensive exploration of transcriptomics, comparative genomics, and recent advances in gene engineering have linked important traits of orchids with a multiplicity of gene families and their regulating networks, providing great potential for genetic enhancement and improvement. In this review, we summarize the progress and achievement in fundamental research and industrialized application of orchids with a particular focus on molecular tools, and make future prospects of orchid molecular breeding and post-genomic research, providing a comprehensive assemblage of state of the art knowledge in orchid research and industrialization.

Orchids as Potential Sources of Anticancer Agents: Our Experience

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and the cancer burden continues to grow, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are ill-prepared to manage this burden, and around the world large numbers of cancer patients do not have access to timely quality diagnosis or treatment. Natural products, especially originated from plants, have been applied as remedies to treat various diseases, including cancer, for thousands of years. Several anticancer agents derived from plants, such as paclitaxel (taxol), vinblastine, vincristine, camptothecin derivatives, podophyllotoxins, are in clinical use and a number of other promising agents are in preclinical or clinical development. A growing number of bioactive compounds with cytostatic and cytotoxic activities to treat cancer have been isolated from several orchid species. The Annapurna Research Center in collaboration with other academic institutions is engaged in identifying and exploring anticancer compounds in orchids of Nepal. The center has identified ten different orchid species which contain high phenol and flavonoid contents evidently showing anticancer activities in our in vitro assays against different cancer cell lines viz cervical cancer, lung cancer and brain tumor cell lines. These findings demonstrate that orchids which have been used in in various formulations in traditional medicine since ancient times qualify as potential source for novel drug candidates or starting points for further lead optimization towards clinical candidates for the most urgently needed treatment of aggressive types of cancer. This review paper highlights that in all likelihood; our contributions in orchid research here in Nepal could bring great relief to patients with cancer globally.

Phalaenopsis arunachalensis sp. nov. (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) A new epiphytic orchid from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

A new epiphytic Phalaenopsis is described from tropical evergreen forests of Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, India, and illustrated with colored photos. It is allied to the similarly colored P. taenialis (Lindl.) Christenson & Pradhan in having non-deciduous leaves, larger perianth segments, the shorter and convex (not flat) lip mid-lobe, and the yellowish-green (not purplish) spur. The new species is morphologically most similar to P. honghenensis from China, but differs most easily by the light pinkish flowers versus bronzy green to brownish flowers of the latter species. A detailed description with corresponding color photos and information on the habitat is provided. The voucher specimens have been deposited at the Herbarium of the Orchid Research Centre Tippi, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Herbarium of The Orchid Society of Eastern Himalaya (TOSEHIM), Regional Orchid Germplasm Conservation and Propagation Centre (Assam Circle), Assam.
 Key Words: Flora of India, new Phalaenopsis, Phalaenopsis honghenensis, Phalaenopsis subgen. Aphyllae, P. taenialis

Dissecting the Function of MADS-Box Transcription Factors in Orchid Reproductive Development.

The orchid family (Orchidaceae) represents the second largest angiosperm family, having over 900 genera and 27,000 species in almost all over the world. Orchids have evolved a myriad of intriguing ways in order to survive extreme weather conditions, acquire nutrients, and attract pollinators for reproduction. The family of MADS-box transcriptional factors have been shown to be involved in the control of many developmental processes and responses to environmental stresses in eukaryotes. Several findings in different orchid species have elucidated that MADS-box genes play critical roles in the orchid growth and development. An in-depth understanding of their ecological adaptation will help to generate more interest among breeders and produce novel varieties for the floriculture industry. In this review, we summarize recent findings of MADS-box transcription factors in regulating various growth and developmental processes in orchids, in particular, the floral transition and floral patterning. We further discuss the prospects for the future directions in light of new genome resources and gene editing technologies that could be applied in orchid research and breeding.

The Application of Adaptive Concept Form of Tissue Culture Laboratory Building in Black Orchid Research and Development Center in Samarinda

Black Orchid is an endangered species in East Kalimantan in the last five years. If it’s not conserved, this endemic species will extinct. The research and development centre aims to research and develop black orchids so that the population is maintained. In this research and development, the main facilities are tissue culture laboratory and greenhouse with adaptive as the concept form. The adaptive concept was applied to create a form of building that can adapt to the environment, without having to reject the use of modern materials and technology. The shape of the structure based on the shape of regional architecture of East Kalimantan which adapts to the local cultural values to create harmony with the surrounding environment. The characteristic of the building has many openings, and in the front facade, there are typical of Dayak carvings with philosophy as protection of the building.

Advanced Applications of Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies to Orchid Biology.

Next-generation sequencing technologies are revolutionizing biology by permitting, transcriptome sequencing, whole-genome sequencing and resequencing, and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism profiling. Orchid research has benefited from this breakthrough, and a few orchid genomes are now available; new biological questions can be approached and new breeding strategies can be designed. The first part of this review describes the unique features of orchid biology. The second part provides an overview of the current next-generation sequencing platforms, many of which are already used in plant laboratories. The third part summarizes the state of orchid transcriptome and genome sequencing and illustrates current achievements. The genetic sequences currently obtained will not only provide a broad scope for the study of orchid biology, but also serves as a starting point for uncovering the mystery of orchid evolution.

A new large-flowered Cyrtochilum (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) from Ecuador, named in honor of two orchid research legends

A new and attractive but little-known Cyrtochilum (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae), which was previously misidentified as Cyrtochilum aemulum , is named in honor of the 95th birthdays of Carlyle August and Jane Hortense Pfeiffenberger Luer of Sarasota, Florida, the most prolific orchid research couple the world has ever known. The background of how the author first became acquainted with the legendary researchers is featured here together with color photographs of them taken by the author on various occasions during their long career. The new Cyrtochilum is described, illustrated and compared with the rather similarly colored C. aemulum . The new species is distinguished from it by the combination of geniculated and shortly spathulate bases of the petals and a glabrous, more erect and more complex lip callus versus shortly unguiculate bases of the petals and a finely micro-pubescent and a horizontally flatter and more simple lip-callus of C. aemulum .

Working together for orchid conservation – The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin and Belize Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin (NBGG) and the Belize Botanic Gardens (BBG) have been involved in Belizean orchid research since 1997. Staff from NBGG had travelled to Belize on two prior occa- sions with the purpose of collecting living specimens of orchids, bromeliads and cacti, along with seed of other plants to add to the existing glasshouse collec- tions at the Gardens. During the expedition of 1996 the Glasnevin team met Ken duPlooy who had gath- ered a substantial orchid collection for what was to become Belize Botanic Gardens the following year.

Establishment of an Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation procedure for the experimental model orchid Erycina pusilla

The establishment of a genetic transformation system for Erycina pusilla (E. pusilla) would be a major step for orchid research and help establish the species as a potential experimental model. Here we describe the development of an efficient selection and plant regeneration protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of E. pusilla protocorms. Plants were transformed with a binary plasmid containing the Arabidopsis thaliana gene Methionine sulfoxide reductase B7 (MSRB7) using the A. tumefaciens strain EHA105. Explants were selected on hygromycin-containing New Dogashima medium (Tokuhara and Mii in Plant Cell Rep 13(1):7–11, 1993) with 6-benzylaminopurine and α-naphthaleneacetic acid for 5 months to diminish the ratio of false positive explants, and it was determined that 3 month-old E. pusilla protocorms represented the optimal stage for transformation. Positive transformants were confirmed by Southern blot and PCR analyses, and by methyl viologen tolerance assays. Since E. pusilla has a shorter life cycle than most other orchids, self-pollinated T1 progeny was obtained within only 18 months. In addition, the results indicated that overexpression of MSRB genes can be used to avoid the effects of abiotic stress in economically important plants such as orchids.

Is it better to give than to receive? A stable isotope perspective on orchid–fungal carbon transport in the green orchid species Goodyera repens and Goodyera oblongifolia

Is it better to give than to receive? A stable isotope perspective on orchid–fungal carbon transport in the green orchid species <i>Goodyera repens </i>and<i> Goodyera oblongifolia</i>

Development of in situ and ex situ seed baiting techniques to detect mycorrhizal fungi from terrestrial orchid habitats

An innovative ex situ fungal baiting method using soil collected from field sites which allows the simultaneous detection of mycorrhizal fungi for multiple terrestrial orchids is presented. This method demonstrated that coarse organic matter (> 2 mm) in the litter and topsoil was the most important reservoir of inoculum of these fungi. A new in situ seed baiting method using multi-chambered packets to simultaneously assess germination for different orchid species within soil is also introduced. These in situ and ex situ methods are compared using seed of orchids in the genera Monadenia, Microtis, Caladenia, Pterostylis and Diuris, using urban Banksia woodland sites with high or low weed cover. Both these seed baiting methods detected compatible fungi for these orchids, but common orchids germinated more frequently than those which were uncommon at the field sites. Germination rates were not significantly affected by weed cover even though adult orchids were rare in areas with high weed cover. The two new seed baiting methods vary in efficiency and applicability depending on the situation where they are used. However, the ex situ method allowed the time-course of germination to be observed, resulting in the production of more protocorms and facilitation of the isolation of mycorrhizal fungi. These techniques provide valuable new tools for detection of compatible mycorrhizal fungi to assist orchid research and conservation.

Sources of Carbohydrate for Germination and Growth of Orchid Seedlings

Ever since 1840, when Linck observed the endophytic fungus in orchid roots, the symbiotic relationship between these interesting plants has been studied by mycologists, plant physiologists, and horticulturists. We may roughly divide the research that has been done since 1840 into two main periods. The first period consisted in efforts to verify the universality of the endophytic infection and to link this mycorrhizal condition with various phenomena of germination. Wahrlich ('86) was the first to establish the generality of the occurrence of the endophyte. He examined the roots of five hundred species of orchids and found all to be contaminated with a fungus which he held to be species of Nectria. Since the time of Wahrlich, the taxonomy of the fungal symbiont has passed through a complex and varied evolution, but a discussion of this phase of orchid research is beyond the scope of the present paper. The existence of the endophyte was further verified by Prillieux ('56, '60), Prillieux and Riviere ('56), and by Fabre ('56). Bernard ('00) early suspected the relationship between the germination of orchid seeds and the presence of the endophyte. He obtained good germination on sawdust which was kept in the same greenhouse as the parent plants, and pointed out that this was probably due to an infection of the sawdust by the fungus from the parent plants. The publication of these results was followed by a number of other papers ('02, '03, '04, '06),