The ever-changing tastes and preferences of orchid consumers initiated the
need to create new and better varieties. Progress in molecular biology has allowed
genetically well defined characteristics to be added to the gene pools, thereby
increasing the potential for genetic improvement. However, such effort at creating
a custom-made flower has yet to be realised in orchids. The present study aims at
developing a genetic transformation system for the introduction of specific foreign
genes into orchid.
Protocorm-like-bodies (PLBs) of orchid hybrid, Dendrobium Sonia-17, were
established to be suitable target tissues for the introduction of foreign genes using
the biolistic method. They were easily micropropagated in vitro that provided
plenty of materials to work with and were a reliable source of potentially
regenerabIe tissues. The effect of blasting on the growth of the PLBs was evaluated by
subjecting the PLBs to bombardment with uncoated gold microparticles. One
month following bombardment, fresh weights gained by the PLBs were recorded.
The results showed that bombarded PLBs had higher weight increments compared
to non-bombarded treatments, indicating that subsequent lethal responses by the
PLBs on antibiotic selections were mainly due to the selection pressure and not as a
result of injuries inflicted during the bombardment
