(Unila): Lampung has an overwhelming bounty of genetic resources for orchids and this necessarily leads to the launch of center for research and development of orchid genetic resources.
The launch took place in the hall of the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) Unila, Tuesday, May 23, 2023. This orchid research center is a manifestation of Unila’s concern for preserving the biodiversity of endangered orchids, as well as for the cultivation, conservation, and use of orchids.
The research center is expected to contribute positively to the advancement of science and technology which in turn promotes the selling of orchids as a result of research and development.
The conservation of the genetic resources of Lampung’s orchids is necessarily made so that the orchid diversity should be protected. According to Irwan so far an attempt to conserve and protect germ plasma resources in Lampung has not been made; otherwise, Lampung’s natural genetic resources of orchids will get extinct.
He said that the establishment of an orchid development research center was for the purpose of conducting orchid research, development, and optimal use.
In addition, the research center should be a community resource for information and education regarding orchids which in turn will promote public awareness of the significance of preserving orchids as cultural heritage and biodiversity.
Prof. Yusnita, the head of the research center, stated that this research center constitutes a result of the long-running UOLS (Unila Orchid Lovers) program. The UOLS program seeks to cultivate an appreciation for orchids and promote the Unila Campus Garden, which preserves numerous species of natural orchids.
The native orchid of Tanggamus, Phalaenopsis amabilis Blumme, is an orchid species of particular concern. Unila is committed to being at the forefront of orchid conservation with this research facility.
The research center for orchids under the auspices of LPPM needs to be accomplished by cultivating these orchids outside of their natural habitat in the tissue culture laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture, Unila.
In order to conduct interdisciplinary research on orchids, this research center will also involve researchers from various faculties and departments at Unila. In addition, this research center will provide community service related to the cultivation and preservation of orchids.
The inauguration of the orchid research center was attended by the chairman of the Indonesian Orchid Lovers DPD as well as management and members of the Lampung PAI DPD, deputy directors of the Lampung State Polytechnic and their staff, owner Anarda Orchid, owner BJ Orchid, heads of LPPM PTN and PTS in Lampung Province, and head of UPTD Tahura Wan Abdul Rachman. [PR Team]
