We have successfully developed a method to induce early in vitro flowering of plantlets in tropical
Dendrobium hybrids (Hee et al. 2007; Sim et al. 2007, 2008). Using one of the hybrids, Dendrobium Chao
Praya Smile, as a model system, methods for in vitro flowering and in vitro pollination are described.
Flowers could be produced in culture about 5-6 months after seed sowing by appropriate treatment with
benzyladenine (BA). This duration is much shorter than the 2-3 years required using conventional growing
method in the green house. As a result, early evaluation of the characteristics of flowers is possible.
Subsequent to in vitro flowering, pollination could be performed in vitro with formation of viable seeds.
Hence the breeding cycles of orchid were reduced significantly. The usefulness of these methods and how
they could benefit the orchid industry are discussed.