Self-(in)compatible Orchid Species

[oliviez]

Hi All,

I'm trying to know if an orchid species is self-incompatibilities or Self-compatibilities.

is there any existing list (most complete as possible) which concatenate those information?

Not lucky on google nor on orchid forums or botanical studies...any idea?



Regards.
/Olivier

[Ray]

I am not aware of any such list.

Most orchids can be selfed...

[oliviez]

I've tested sef Hand-pollination on 2 species phalaenopsis viridis and Encyclia cochleata.

-for phalaenopsis viridis=> 10 flowers sefled => 9 pods done (6 moths old)
-for Encyclia cochleata=> 15 flowers selfed=> 0 pod done( flowers felt 2 days afer self-pollination)



I'dont understand whats wrong on Encyclia cochleata!

Why? that means Encyclia cochleata is Self-incompatible...?

greetings
/Olivier

[Ray]

I don't know that all Enc. cochleata plants are self-sterile, but it is possible yours is. Or... you're not pollinating the flowers at the proper time.

[Fairorchids]

Based on the number of orchids produced by selfing, I would say that most orchids are self compatible.

There are a few species, which are being reported as self incompatible (Laelia gouldiana is one). This is 'tribal' knowledge, I don't know of anyone trying to make of list of these.

And lastly, there are probably exceptions to every rule, so even in a generally self compatible species, there can be individual plants that are self incompatible.

[oliviez]

Thank you for your replies. I appreciate it.


/olivier

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Late to the post, but I think I can throw out a bit more on this subject.

As has been mentioned prior, most orchids are self-fertile. Some are not.

There is no official list. You just have to try it out on your own stock.

I know which orchids in my collection are self-fertile and which ones aren't. Compiling a database of which orchids in your collection are self-fertile and which ones aren't is the most concise way to do it. When you ask everybody and anybody which orchids out of over 25,000 species + several thousand more hybrids which ones are self-fertile and which ones aren't, then it isn't really helpful to you when they give you an answer that doesn't pertain to your particular collection.

It is also difficult to speak in generalities according to genera, because some species or certain hybrids within a particular genera are self-fertile while others are not.

You may also ask which orchids you are specifically interested in knowing about and see if anybody knows.

As was mentioned, timing of the pollination is also important. Too early or too late in the flower's life cycle, and it will not work out.

Encyclia cochleata should be self-fertile. I've seen selfings of this species multiple times. Again, as was mentioned, it might've been the timing of the pollination. It is usually safest to pollinate the flowers about 2 days after blooming for orchids that have flowers that naturally stay in bloom for 5 days or more.

For orchids that stay in bloom for 1 - 3 days, you must pollinate during the time when they are in full bloom, (which is a very small window of time).

If you think you got the timing right and you try multiple times on multiple specimens of that one particular hybrid or species, then it is pretty safe to assume it is not self-fertile.

Also keep in mind that there is such a thing as an infertile hybrid and also certain orchids that have been genetically manipulated using chemicals to induce multiple sets of chromosomes beyond the normal 2N (diploid) can be infertile as well. Generally speaking, the infertile ones tend to be the ones that have been manipulated to have an odd number of chromosomes, (3N, 5N).

As a side note, I think I have seen odd numbered chromosome count specimens of Encyclia cochleata for sale before. You could see if you could find a lab that specializes in doing a chromosome count to determine the ploidy count on your particular Encyclia cochleata. Perhaps you got one that happened to be an unlabeled 3N plant, who knows.

I'm sure you know this already, but it is generally better to make outcrosses if you can in order to shake up the genetic diversity.

[oliviez]

You re right. I will try to pollinate quicker after blooming!

To keep natural form with genetic check, I have to buy an other mother plant of Encyclia cochleata but from another supplier.

I am starting to understand why some plant are labelled with 4N ...

i've read publication from COOS:
www.coosinfo.info/may08nwsltr.PDF


Thanks a lot for the time you spend to answer me.


Br
Olivier

[oliviez]

Hello,
Just a quick feedback on pollination of Enc. cochleata test.

Add one point for self-fertile sentence!

After several test the best condition for pollination was:
-Temperature : medium temp. 22/24°C
-day time: Begin on afternoon
-Most important, i think, very young Flower just open.

yes i know, it will be confirmed by flasking seeds but the pod are there now... waiting 10 months for green pod seed sowing...

thanks again.
br
/olivier