Dendrobium 'Brazilian Fire 101' - New option of color of flowers for the orchid market

Abstract

Establishment of germplasm banks of ornamental species, together with breeding programs is fundamental for the growth of competitive cultivars of flowers that are the same or better quality than those developed in other countries. Around 100 progenies from a crossing between the cultivars Dendrobium 'Tong Chai Gold' and Dendrobium 'Black Jack' were obtained, from 50 plants which were selected and grown in pots in greenhouse conditions to evaluate the blooming stage and to select the progenies. Selection of vigorous growing plants and without disease symptoms were made in the period of cultivation. Also, there were evaluated the growing characteristics, rooting, early blooming, as well as the color, number and size of flowers in the first and second blooming. Six progenies with superior characteristics were chosen, from which Dendrobium 'Brazilian Fire 101' was obtained. This cultivar shows fast growth, good rooting, early flowering and high quality flowers, with predominantly yellow color, showing the ribs, the center of flowers and lip with red color. The durability of the flowers was 45-60 days after anthesis.O estabelecimento de bancos de germoplasma de espécies ornamentais, consorciado a programas de melhoramento genético é fundamental para a produção de cultivares de flores competitivas em meio àquelas desenvolvidas no exterior. Foram obtidas 100 progênies provenientes de um cruzamento entre as cultivares Dendrobium 'Tong Chai Gold' e Dendrobium 'Black Jack', das quais 50 foram selecionadas e cultivadas em vaso e condições de estufa até o momento da floração e seleção de progênies. As seleções de plantas com crescimento vigoroso e sem sintomas de doenças foram realizadas ao longo do tempo de cultivo. Nessas, também foram avaliadas as características de crescimento, enraizamento, floração precoce, além de coloração, número e tamanho de flores na primeira e segunda floração. Foram escolhidas seis progênies com características superiores, das quais se obteve Dendrobium 'Brazilian Fire 101', que mostrou crescimento rápido, bom enraizamento, primeira floração de alta qualidade e flores com coloração predominantemente amarelo, com as nervuras, o centro e labelo vermelhos. A durabilidade das flores foi de 45-60 dias após a antese.