a blue real phal

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The project involving genetic modification of a Phal to produce blue flowers, in my opinion, is not a worthwhile project. I think it is more of a vanity project than anything.

As has been stated before - there already are blue orchids that are naturally blue.

Unfortunately, they are part of a group of orchids that are currently somewhat difficult to cultivate because the knowledge about their biology is rather shoddy.

If people took the same amount of time and effort to look into the specifics of how these naturally blue orchids grow and function, perhaps there wouldn't be such a desire to produce a GMO blue Phalaenopsis - idk. In the process of finding out about these orchids, maybe, we might even save them from extinction, who knows.

[kentaki]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

The project involving genetic modification of a Phal to produce blue flowers, in my opinion, is not a worthwhile project. I think it is more of a vanity project than anything.

I disagree. Why is it not worthwhile? Scientists are curious beings by nature.

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

If people took the same amount of time and effort to look into the specifics of how these naturally blue orchids grow and function, perhaps there wouldn't be such a desire to produce a GMO blue Phalaenopsis - idk. In the process of finding out about these orchids, maybe, we might even save them from extinction, who knows.

This is coming from somebody who confessed killing a naturally blue orchid out of his neglect. I am not flaming, and sorry if I sound cynical, but you can't nonchalantly dismiss somebody's effort when you actively engaged in the very act that is the direct opposite of saving them from extinction.

As for myself, I am reluctant about consuming GMO's and understand "sentiments," but when it comes to ornamentals, especially crops that do not have pollen that is disseminated by the wind, I am much less concerned. Where to draw a line at personal level is up to an individual. There are some people who believe wild species should not be even considered for cultivation, and for them, growing orchid orchid species, or tissue culturing such plants would be like a sacrilegious act. I am more concerned about the wholesale attitude against GMO's or atmosphere that anybody opposing anti-GMO sentiment can be ostracized or his views misconstrued.