WIST iGEM
WIST iGEM
COMMUNICATION.
Interviewing Orchid farmers - getting the first hand perspective
We have interviewed
展壯台大蘭園
鈤欣蘭園
宏昇蘭花農場
as they represent the dominating orchid farms in Taiwan
In our interview with orchid farmers in Taiwan, we gained valuable insights into the intricacies of orchid cultivation and the challenges posed by soft rot disease.
Here we present the knowledge we learned from them and how it add insights to our project!
The first interviewee we encountered was from "展壯台大蘭園," a well-established orchid farm founded in 1981. With a workforce of over 100 employees, this company specializes in the breeding, research, and production of various orchid species, including butterfly orchids, dendrobiums, cymbidiums, slipper orchids, and others. Their operations encompass a wide range of activities, from selective breeding to tissue culture, greenhouse cultivation, pest and disease control, and virus testing. "展壯台大蘭園" maintains a highly organized approach to produce top-quality orchids.
Rinxin Orchid Farm, founded in February 2007, stands as a distinguished private orchid farm dedicated to the cultivation and care of these exquisite botanical wonders. With over a decade of expertise in orchid husbandry, Rinxin Orchid Farm has become synonymous with quality and commitment in the world of orchid farming. Their journey began in 2007, and since then, they have consistently delivered stunning orchid specimens to meet the needs of orchid enthusiasts and markets alike.
Established in 1991, Hong-Sheng Orchid Farm, located in Taichung County, Taiwan, has become a major player in the orchid industry. They specialize in growing and exporting Oncidium spp. flowers and expanded their offerings to include Paphiopedium, or Lady Slipper Orchids, in 1995. With a cultivation area of 1600 ping (57,600 square feet), they produce a variety of top-quality breeds, including unique Lady Slipper varieties, catering to both enthusiasts and commercial markets.
Our conversation with the Rinxin Orchid Farm’s owner unveiled the intricate world of orchid cultivation. He emphasized the importance of using sphagnum moss for its exceptional drainage and moisture retention qualities.To nurture these delicate plants, he described the process of carefully wetting and rehydrating the moss. Ventilation, he pointed out, is a pivotal factor, as poor airflow can lead to issues like the dreaded soft rot disease. Moreover, he also explain the remarkable patience required in nurturing orchids.
These exquisite orchids take a substantial two and a half years to grow from their initial tissue culture materials to a stage where they can be introduced to the market. This extended cultivation period emphzsize the dedication and meticulous care that orchid farmers invest in their craft. Moreover, it also highlights that unlike some other agricultural endeavors, where crops might yield results more quickly, growing orchids demands a higher level of commitment and expertise.
In our conversations with experienced orchid farmers, a resounding concernemerged: the persistent threat of soft rot disease. This formidable adversary is so relentless that when a plant falls victim to this disease, the only recourse is immediate removal, to avoid a large-scale expulsion. Remarkably, soft rot disease poses a more significant menace to orchids than many common pests.
Unlike insects, which can leave distinctive bite marks on the undersides of leaves, soft rot disease operates silently, making it challenging to detect until it's too late. It ranks as the most formidable adversary in the orchid world, surpassing even bacterial and fungal threats. The disease's ability to swiftly decimate an orchid plant makes it the most perilous enemy in the industry.
Interestingly, orchid farmers have found that the disease thrives in higher-altitude environments, where humidity levels are more favorable. Orchid farmers have also discovered that early intervention through pesticide application can sometimes salvage plants in the initial stages of infection. However, given the disease's swift progression, this window for rescue is narrow.
As our discussion with Rinxin Orchid Farm’s owner delved into economic aspects, he highlighted the benefits offered to farmers by the government in Taiwan, including tax incentives and financial support. This insight suggests the potential for collaboration with government institutions like the Council of Agriculture (COA).
Our interviews with orchid farmers have revealed a fascinating aspect of the industry: the stringent selection process that results in the removal of 1-2% of orchid flowers. These seemingly small numbers, however, carry substantial implications. With an annual revenue exceeding one million, even a modest percentage of discarded flowers equates to roughly 70,000 NTD (roughly 2200 USD) in losses.
This practice, while necessary for maintaining the highest quality standards, can have far-reaching consequences, especially for larger orchid farms. The economic impact extends beyond the immediate loss of revenue. Orchid farms that rely heavily on consistent yields may face considerable challenges when a portion of their flowers is discarded.
Farmers find themselves grappling with the financial implications of using alternative pest control methods, which can include biological agents or specialized treatments. These methods are often more expensive than conventional chemical pesticides. However, orchid growers are increasingly opting for these alternatives due to their environmental benefits and reduced chemical residues on the plants.