Anthurium isn’t the only flower that University of Hawaii scientists have considered for genetic engineering.
Anthurium isn’t the only flower that University of Hawaii scientists have considered for genetic engineering.
Research has also been done on making a virus-resistant orchid, but funding has dried up, leaving that effort on hold, said Teresita Amore, assistant researcher with the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
Elton Mow, president of Orchid Growers of Hawaii, said such a plant would be helpful for nursery owners who have to combat a virus that causes brown discoloration.
“Once the plants are infected with the virus, there is no cure, and the plants must be discarded,” he said in testimony to the Hawaii County Council on a proposed ban on new transgenic crops.
“The infected plants cause loss of productivity and revenue for the growers.”
Mow said he is hopeful research on the plant can continue.
“I’m here waiting for it,” he said.