Oncidium flowers are known for their elegant appearance and bright colors, and are highly popular among domestic and international consumers. It is a key export-oriented cut flower crop in Taiwan. Oncidium is a perennial plant. Micropropagated seedlings will be replanted every 4-6 years for cut flower production. If plants become infected with Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) and Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV) during seedling and cut flower production, their growth and flowering will be adversely affected. The Seed Improvement and Propagation Station (TSIPS) introduced the Oncidium Healthy Seedling Certification System in 2002. This system monitored virus infections in mother plants and micropropagated seedlings throughout the propagation and cultivation process. Applicants were issued a certificate issuance, if their seedlings tested negative for both viruses.

Twenty to thirty years ago, the primary Oncidium cut flower varieties, such as 'Nancy' and 'Honey Angel', were introduced. Over time, local growers and breeders in Taiwan have selected and bred new Oncidium varieties. Based on the survey conducted by TSIPS, at least 16 Oncidium cut flower varieties are currently cultivated in Taiwan. To further support industry development TSIPS collected 20 domestically bred varieties and cultivated them in major production areas. Based on an investigation of growth and flowering conditions, several varieties with broad adaptability and strong market potential, such as 'Apollo' and 'Dance King' were selected. The PVR holders were guided to set up isolated mother stock greenhouse where mother stock plants undergo testing to confirm they are free from CymMV and ORSV. At the same time, virus testing is promoted for plant materials before micropropagation in propagator's nurseries. The seedling nurseries acknowledge that implementing these procedures will improve the quality of micropropagated seedlings, prevent commercial disputes and help maintain a good reputation.

TSIPS noted that since 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has been promoting the advancement of the Oncidium industry. MOA has implemented a healthy seedling cultivation program, offering incentives to Oncidium growers for replacing aging plants with specific virus-free healthy seedlings. TSIPS guided three Oncidium growers in improving their seedling cultivation environment. TSIPS guided three Oncidium growers to improve their seedling environment, tested viruses on seedlings, established cultivation standards for healthy plantlets in cut flower farms, and guided five cut flower farms to replace old plants with new healthy plantlets. TSIPS reported that a total of 352 samples were tested for CymMV and ORSV ,including Oncidium mother stock plants, micropropagation materials and seedlings. Among these, 187,620 seedlings and 125,000 five-inch young plants underwent a 0.1% sampling test. After two years, the healthy seedlings will cover approximately 3.5 hectares of cut flower fields.

TSIPS stated that they assessed the adaptability of domestically bred Oncidium varieties in key production areas, assisted the PVR holders in establishing isolated mother stock greenhouse, conducted virus testing for micropropagated seedlings, encouraged the development of professional nurseries, and incentivized the replacement of aging plants with healthy plantlets to strengthen the industry supply chain. TSIPS further emphasized the promotion of Oncidium Healthy Seedling Propagation System 2.0, aiming to popularize the use of healthy plants, ensure the stable quality of Oncidium seedlings and cut flowers, and lay the foundation for the industry's continued advancement.

▲Fig1. TSIP held a variety demonstration meeting for Oncidium in the production area.

▲Fig2. The PVR holder of Oncidium 'Apollo'  has established a isolated mother stock greenhouse.

▲Fig3. Oncidium healthy plantlets are cultivated in  the isolated greenhouse.