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Orchid Breeding
Orchid cultivation in Thailand has been developed by the government organizations, institutions, growers, and private companies for over 50 years. The export value started from a few million baht to about three billion baht in 2019. Major growing factors in natural growing habitats are concerned for appropriate commercial cultivation. They are altitude, light, temperature, relative humidity, nutrients, and air movement. At present, saran houses constructed with cement poles, cement benches, galvanized pipes for hanging orchid baskets, and black netted nylon roof with 50-60% shade and open sides are developed for low cost, long lasting, and suitability for growing tropical orchids for cut-flower and potted orchids. The cultivation is mostly for many outstanding cultivars of pink-red, white and yellow-green flowered dendrobiums and blue, pink, and yellow flowered vandaceous orchids which need hot and humid conditions. A complete cycle of orchid production which need breeding program, micropropagation, planting materials (mainly coconut husks, charcoal, and cement block), plastic containers, watering, fertilizer, pest control, post-harvest technology, and transport from farm to packaging houses are effectively implemented. Thailand is famous for exporting cut-flower orchids applying low-cost cultivation but high production. Orchids continue to dominate other ornamental crops in Thailand due to better technology know-how, suitable climatic conditions for dendrobiums and vandaceous orchids, experienced and skillful growers and exporters, as well as their nationwide popularity. Apart from all these, orchids are a symbol of Thailand that reflects the country’s pride internationally.
