Advanced Tolumnia culture Techniques

[TreeBear]

Hello guys,

I am currently working on a research study involving Tolumnia orchids.

Does anyone know what are the preferred propagation methods of Tolumnia orchids?-in the commercial setting and also hobbyist. information regarding techniques of Tolumnia reproduction (breeding, hybridizing, etc.) such as, in-vitro and or aseptic propagation, tissue culture, meristem cloning, as well as from seed,etc. would all be appreciated so if anyone could supply input on that it would be greatly appreciated. Some questions I am trying to figure out are: What might be the best way of going about the propagation and or breeding of Tolumnia orchids, via an aseptic culture system? What might be the best way to go about the propagation of Tolumnia seedlings?

My research is still in the beginning stages, so please forgive me for the barrage of inquiry. I'm hoping that there are some Tolumnia enthusiasts/Breeders out there whom can help me with any of the aforementioned topics and I give immense thanks in advance for anyone who is willing to shed light on the subject for me.

[WhiteRabbit]

[MattWoelfsen]

Search on the board for member HawaiianSunshine. There is a thread that he regularly updates with various Tolumnia hybrids.

[james mickelso]

Yeah!!! He's the guy to talk with. His are gorgeous.

[Fairorchids]

If you want to develop new hybrids, you have to go the seed route. When I see plants come in from wholesalers, there are dozens of the same clone, so those have been propagated via meristem method.

[TreeBear]

Thanks for your suggestions so far guys. Still looking for strategies though. I tried to locate said member but I haven't seen any information regarding their Tolumnia culture thus far.

Fairorchids, thank you I greatly appreciate the feedback. Could you please elaborate on said meristem method that was used to clonally propagate the variety? That is ,of course, the information that I am trying to figure out. Its the exact propagation techniques and methodology that I am researching and trying to figure out so it is imperative that I know what methods are used and how to conduct them. How exactly was this done? Where the meristems taken from plant stem/leaf pieces? or where they taken from flower stem parts, etc.?

I understand that the propagation involving those "wholesale" plants was done via some form of clonal propagation system and that was performed to produce a vast number of ,genetically, the same plant. This is precisely my interest in figuring out how this form of propagating was conducted. Mind you, in my case, this is not for commercial applications but rather, it is this process of propagation that I am currently researching.

Also, as a Side Note: Maybe I should make an edit to my original post, indicating that by Tolumnia, I also mean hybrids which involve Rodrumnia,etc. By Tolumnia I don't mean to be speaking strictly of just this Genera, but am referring to "Equitant" Oncidium varieties. I'm currently working with hybrids not species so I just had the thought that maybe I should specify that. I say this because I'm fairly sure that many of these hybrids in cultivation today/plants that are readily available on the "market" are indeed crosses between both Genera and have been hybridized via different genetic/breeding lines. Some may have Rodrumnia in their genes and some may not. That being said for clarification purposes, I am still very interested in the techniques/methods for these plants and am flexible with the genetics so do not let the classification as "Tolumnia" restrict any commentary anyone may offer.

Thanks so much everyone. Please feel free to make more suggestions and or add to this.

[RandomGemini]

The thread you are looking for from HawaiianSunshine is this one:

Tolumnias Starting to Bloom

It sounds to me like what you actually need to do, rather than talking to some folks on the internet, is talk to someone that runs an orchid nursery that cultivates Tolumnia. Any information you acquire on the internet is anecdotal at best, but speaking to a person, in person, who has degrees in the field, or decades of experience and an actual name, trumps anecdotal evidence every time.

[TreeBear]

Thanks for your comment, I appreciate the help. Yes, overall, I agree. But, I do believe that a variety/many of forms of information-exchange is beneficial, if not essential to the foundation of my research.
It would only make sense that some of the less-informed or accurate responses would eventually be weeded out. Although some of the responses I get, may be anecdotal, some of it is spot-on, experiential, and practical. That is the sort of advice I am looking for and there is not one singular "correct" answer to the problem. There are many ways in which certain tasks can be done or certain aims achieved. For that reason, the point of this forum (and all other forums really) is the ability to exchange ideas and information with other users and enthusiasts, both professional and hobbyists alike. This exchange (readily accessed via phone calls/internet forums/chats/etc.) is sometimes, what helps and fuels our love for the hobby, inspires, and re-ignites our minds or imaginations while problem-solving.
I have been in contact with my local connections (CNYOS, fellow orchid growers, and greenhouses). The problem is that there aren't many people available to speak with, whom have direct experience with Tolumnia/Rodrumnia Genera orchids. I have visited and toured many orchid growers greenhouses and, over the years, have gotten to 'pick their brains', yet most of them grow phalaenopsis, paphiopedilums, and a few oncidium varieties.

The lack of information out there regarding these "Equitants" is what drives me.
I am currently trying out a technique involving the use of small amounts of plant growth hormones ("Keiki Paste") to initiate growths at the flower stem node/meristematic regions. I will update and let you know how this goes.

Keep up the good work everyone!!

Thanks again Friends

[orchidsarefun]

I suggest giving Hausermann's in Chicagoland a call. They can either help with propagation techniques ( they have their own lab, not sure if they do equitants ) or put you in touch with their vendors. Hausermann's are one of the biggest growers in North America.