Development and morphological characteristics of interspecific hybridization of Vanda liouvillei Finet (1921) and Vanda curvifolia (Lindl.) L.M. Gardiner (2012) and the second-generation hybridization

The Vanda genus is a beautiful Thai orchid that has been bred for use as cut flowers and ornamental plants. The development and morphological characteristics of the first -generation hybridization of Vanda liouvillei Finet as the female plant and Vanda curvifolia (Lindl.) L.M. Gardiner as the male plant (F 1) and the hybridization of the second-generation hybrid plants (F 2) on the ability of pod formation and seed germination in vitro were investigated. The result showed that 60% pod formation, the age and size of mature pods was 149 days with 1.15 cm in width and 3.50 cm in length after hand -pollination of the first -generation hybridization (F 1). The hybrid seeds contained embryos and germinated after 23 days of sowing on a modified Vacin and Went (1949) agar medium. The first flowering occurred in vibrant orange -red petals with a red to yellow color graduated, erect inflorescence, and a fishtail-shaped lip similar to those of its male and female parent plants after three years and eleven months in the greenhouse. In the hybridization of the second-generation hybrid plants (F2), pod formation was 100%; the age and size of mature pods was 219 days with 0.77 cm in width and 2.33 cm in length after hand- pollination, smaller than those of the first -generation hybrid pods (F 1). Seeds of the second -generation hybrid plants (F2) contained embryos and germinated after 28 days of sowing. The hybridization of the second-generation hybrids (F2) is for the development and production of small potted orchids with bright flower colors.