"The University of Hawai'i is trying to genetically engineer hardier... orchids. ... The work includes developing a bacteria- and fungus-resistant dendrobium orchid...
the research is being conducted with the backing of the agriculture industry, said Wayne Nishijima, an associate dean at the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. ... UH's work on genetically modified taro has touched a nerve among some as being disrespectful to Hawaiian culture. ... The university does not anticipate the research into orchids... will generate the same level of concern. "It's nothing that's indigenous to Hawai'i... " said Nishijima. ... the orchids... will be kept in greenhouses, UH said. ... Industry proponents maintain that the risks of such research are minimal and manageable. Meanwhile, members of... the orchid... sector... expressed support for the work at UH. "We'd love everything and anything they do for us," said Graham Wood, chairman for the Hawaii Orchid Association. "It's a great help because we're competing with the Taiwanese, who get a lot of government support." " source : http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jun/13/bz/FP606130315.html ********** regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
