published_or_final_version / Chinese Medicine / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Radix Astragali (the dried root of Astragalus membranaceous (Fisch) Bge.) and Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis (the dried stem of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo) are two traditional Chinese tonic herbs. They are commonly used in the formula with other Chinese herbs for tonifying Qi, nourishing Yin, and treating various kinds of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, inflammation, etc. The polysaccharides are considered the majority of the chemical components of decoction boiled from a formula including these two medicinal herbs. The previous study showed that the polysaccharides isolated from Radix Astragali (named RAP) and Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis (named DOP) have various pharmacological activities and most of their activities are closely related to their immunomodulating effects. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism of their immunomodulating effects, especially on macrophages is not known clearly. In the current study, we have conducted a comprehensive investigation of the bioactive properties and molecular mechanism of immunomodulating activities of DOP and RAP. We aimed to clarify the molecular immunomodulating mechanism of RAP on macrophages and the actual anti-fatigue activity of DOP in vivo. Results can be summarized as follows: RAP itself did not have any cytotoxic effect on mouse mammary carcinoma 4T1 cells, but it significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of the supernatant of RAW264.7cells on 4T1 cells. Furthermore, RAP enhanced the production of NO and cytokines in RAW264.7 cells, and significantly up-regulated gene expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS. All these bioactivities were blocked by the inhibitor of TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4), suggesting that TLR4 is a receptor of RAP and mediates its immunomodulating activity. Further analyses demonstrated that RAP rapidly activated TLR4-related MAPKs, including phosphorylated ERK, phosphorylated JNK, and phosphorylated p38, and induced translocation of NF-κB as well as degradation of IκB-α. In addition, RAP induced higher gene expression of M1 marker, including iNOS, IL-6, TNF-a, CXCL10, compared with those of control group. RAP-induced BMDMs were polarized from M2 to M1 phenotypes. RAP stimulated RAW264.7 cells to express Notch1, Notch2, Jaddge1, Dll1 and SOCS3. Notch signaling pathway played an important role in the RAP-induced polarization of M1 phenotype macrophages. The RAP-induced BMDMs exhibited anti-cancer effect when they were transplanted with 4T1 cells together in vivo and it decreased tumor volume and tumor weight. DOP, the authentication marker of Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis, has immunomodulating activity in macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. DOP enhanced cell proliferation, TNF-α secretion, and phagocytosis in a dose-dependent manner. It induced the proliferation of lymphocytes alone and with mitogens. For further study the anti-fatigue effect of DOP in vivo, the weight-loaded swimming test was used, because it is an effective method for evaluation of the extent of fatigue. The results indicated that DOP treatment significantly increased the swimming endurance time, body weight, and food intake, compared to the positive control Rhodiola rosea extract. Moreover, the weight-loaded swimming test decreased the levels of glycogen in gastrocnemius muscle, SOD, GSH-Px in serum, and increased the levels of LDH, BUN, MDA, CK, TG, and LD in serum. All of these indicators of fatigue were inhibited to a certain extent by both DOP and Rhodiola rosea extract, and DOP's effects are stronger. Furthermore, DOP-feeding mice showed significantly increased cell variability of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes, compared with control mice. In conclusion, RAP may induce cytokine production of RAW264.7 cells through TLR4-mediated activation of MAPKs and NF-κB. RAP-induced BMDMs were polarized from M2 to M1 phenotypes through Notch signaling pathway. The unique and dominant polysaccharide DOP is proven to be major, active polysaccharide markers of D. officinale, and showed stronger anti-fatigue activity than Rhodiola rosea extract. As such, DOP has promising potential for pharmaceutical development into anti-fatigue health product.

by Lau Tai Wai. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 117-127). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Table of Content --- p.i / Abbreviations --- p.iv / Abstract --- p.v / List of Figures --- p.ix / List of Tables --- p.xii / Chapter 1. --- Chapter One: Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background on orchids --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Background on Dendrobium --- p.7 / Chapter 1.3 --- Background and history on Herba Dendrobii --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4 --- Reasons for study of Herba Dendrobii --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Demand --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Adulteration --- p.13 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- CITES --- p.13 / Chapter 1.5 --- Scientific researches on Herba Dendrobii --- p.14 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Morphological studies --- p.15 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Anatomical and microscopic studies --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Phytochemistry --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.3.1 --- Chemicals identified --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.3.2 --- Chemical authentication of Herba Dendrobii --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.3.3 --- Effect of treatment on chemical composition --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5.4 --- Phylogenetic study of Dendrobium --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.4.1 --- Phylogenetic analysis by molecular methods --- p.25 / Chapter 1.5.4.2 --- Phylogenetic analysis by anatomical methods --- p.27 / Chapter 1.5.5 --- Pharmacological effect --- p.29 / Chapter 2. --- Chapter two: Objectives and strategies --- p.30 / Chapter 3. --- Chapter Three: Materials and Methods --- p.33 / Chapter 3.1 --- Source of samples and their treatment --- p.34 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Fresh materials --- p.34 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Dry materials --- p.34 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Outgroup species --- p.35 / Chapter 3.2 --- Experimental protocol --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Rationale of the experiment --- p.40 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- DNA extraction --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide extraction method --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.2.1a --- Reagents and buffers --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2.2.1b --- Procedures of CTAB extraction method --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2.2.2 --- Modified DNA isolation protocol for dry samples --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.2.2a --- Reagents and buffers --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.2.2b --- Procedures of modified DNA isolation protocol for dry plant samples --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Agarose gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA or PCR products --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2.3a --- Reagents and buffers --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2.3b --- Procedures of agarose gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA or PCR products --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of DNA --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2) region by Polymerase Chain Reaction --- p.47 / Chapter 3.2.5a --- Internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2) region --- p.47 / Chapter 3.2.5b --- Procedures of polymerase chain reaction of ITS 2 region --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Purification of PCR products or cycle sequencing products --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2.6.1 --- Ethanol precipitation --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2.6.2 --- GENECLEAN® protocols --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2.6.3 --- Spin Column Purification --- p.49 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Cycle Sequencing --- p.50 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- Sample Electrophoresis --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2.8a --- Equipment and reagents --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2.8b --- Procedures of sample electrophoresis --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2.9 --- Sequence analysis --- p.52 / Chapter 4. --- Results --- p.53 / Chapter 4.1 --- Fresh materials --- p.54 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Genomic DNA --- p.54 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- PCR products --- p.59 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Sequence alignment --- p.66 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Comparison of the sequences --- p.94 / Chapter 4.1.5 --- Percentage difference among Dendrobium --- p.96 / Chapter 4.1.6 --- Intra-specific variation of orchid species --- p.96 / Chapter 4.1.7 --- Phylogenetic analysis --- p.99 / Chapter 4.2 --- Dry materials --- p.101 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Genomic DNA --- p.101 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- PCR products --- p.101 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Sequencing result --- p.101 / Chapter 5. --- Discussion and Conclusion --- p.107 / Chapter 5.1 --- Reasons for authentication of Herba Dendrobii --- p.108 / Chapter 5.2 --- Fresh materials of Herba Dendrobii --- p.109 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Authentication --- p.109 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Phylogenetic analysis --- p.111 / Chapter 5.3 --- Dry materials of Herba Dendrobii --- p.114 / Chapter 5.4 --- Evaluation of the experimental method --- p.115 / Chapter 5.5 --- Conclusion --- p.116 / Chapter 6. --- Reference --- p.117 / Chapter 7. --- Appendix / Appendix 1: Number of species in each medicinal orchid geneus --- p.128 / Appendix 2: Photographs showing 15 of the 17 species of orchids used in this research project --- p.131

Studies of Dendrobium Sea Mary ‘Snow King’ investigated the effect of nutrient termination (1 Aug., 1 Sept., or 1 Oct.) and reapplication [at the beginning, in the middle, immediately after, or 2 weeks after (relative to cooling), or no nutrient reapplication] on growth and flowering, quantified cooling requirements (10, 13, 15, or 18 °C for 2 to 6 weeks) for flowering, and determined optimum nutrient termination (on the three above dates) and nutrient rate (0.33, 0.67, or 1.33 g•L-1 15N-2.3P-12.9K) for producing single-node cuttings. Regardless of reapplication stages, nutrient termination on 1 Oct. caused taller plants with more nodes, more leaves, more flowering nodes, more total flowers, and fewer aborted flowers than those being terminated earlier. Only buds protruding above 2 mm from pseudobulb surface showed differentiated floral structures. Plants with 1 Aug. nutrient termination had larger flower primordia than those with 1 Oct., indicating flower differentiated earlier or faster with an earlier nutrient termination. No reversion of reproductive to vegetative buds arose due to either late nutrient termination or resumption of nutrients during cooling. Interactions between temperature and cooling duration were significant on time required for anthesis and full flowering, recorded from either beginning or completion of cooling, average flower number per flowering node, and flower diameter. Increasing cooling duration from 2 to 6 weeks led plants to reach anthesis and full flowering faster after cooling; however, the increasing cooling duration actually extended total time for producing flowering crops. Increasing temperature from 10 to 15 °C accelerated flowering after cooling. Plants had more flowering nodes and total flowers when cooled at 10 to 15 °C than at 18 °C. The results suggest that 3 weeks of cooling at 13 or 15 °C produce quality flowering plants that require less time to reach flowering. Plants fertilized at 0.67 or 1.33 g•L-1 were taller with 18% more nodes and more leaves than those receiving 0.33 g•L-1. Increasing nutrient rate with prolonged supply to the plants caused more single-node cuttings to grow into vegetative shoots for propagation, fewer cuttings to transition to flowering nodes, and less flower abortion to occur.

Submitted by Reginaldo Soares de Freitas (reginaldo.freitas@ufv.br) on 2016-06-20T15:06:04Z No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 676315 bytes, checksum: a451bf2e2060adec62ba8c114611d497 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-20T15:06:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 676315 bytes, checksum: a451bf2e2060adec62ba8c114611d497 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-12-22 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Há uma grande demanda por técnicas de laboratório mais simples e de menor custo e por procedimentos mais acessíveis a orquidófilos que não têm o embasamento teórico necessário à utilização de métodos usuais de produção seminífera e clonal de orquídeas in vitro. Neste trabalho, três experimentos foram conduzidos com os objetivos de avaliar a desinfestação química com hipoclorito de sódio (NaClO) de sementes e de tecidos de orquídeas para a produção de mudas in vitro, e testar a utilização de seringa descartável para o cultivo de tecidos, de modo a dispensar, em todos os casos, o uso de câmara de fluxo laminar. No primeiro experimento, sementes de Cattleya intermedia foram tratadas com seis concentrações de NaClO, variando de 1,2 a 4.800 mg L-1 de NaClO e semeadas utilizando-se dois métodos de cultivo: inoculação de sementes em frascos via seringa descartável, através de um furo em tampa de frascos de vidro, ou, abrindo-se o frasco, retirando-se a tampa, e colocando as sementes sobre o meio. Em ambos os métodos, as sementes foram inoculadas via 2 mL de suspensão semente-NaClO. Estes métodos foram comparados com o tradicional (controle), conduzido em câmara de fluxo laminar; com as sementes previamente desinfestadas com NaClO na concentração de 2.400 mg L -1 , corresponde a 100 mL L -1 de água sanitária comercial (ASC), e enxaguadas em H 2 O, mas sem a aplicação de NaClO aos meios nos frascos com as sementes. No segundo experimento, estudou-se a eficiência de concentrações de NaClO, variando de 1.200 a 6.000 mg L -1 (50 a 250 mL L -1 de ASC) aplicadas nos meios de cultura, na ausência ou presença de carvão ativado, em comparação à utilização de câmara de fluxo laminar sem a aplicação, neste caso, de NaClO nos meios, com os tecidos (explantes). Foram utilizados explantes de duas espécies de orquídeas: Arundina bambusifolia e Epidendrum ibaguenses. No terceiro experimento, estudou-se a utilização de seringa descartável, em substituição à câmara de fluxo laminar, utilizando três meios (MS1/2, GB5 e VW) e duas concentrações de três reguladores de crescimento (TDZ, ANA e BAP), para a obtenção de mudas de Phalaenopis spp. e de um híbrido de Dendrobium nobile, via cultura de tecidos. Como tratamento controle, utlizou-se o meio MS1/2 com 1,0 mg L -1 de TDZ em tubos de ensaio, com os explantes cultivados em condições normais, utilizando-se de câmara de fluxo. Não houve contaminação dos meios de cultura inoculados com a suspensão semente – NaClO. A presença do NaClO nas menores concentrações promoveu maior taxa de germinação e crescimento das plantas, em relação à sua não utilização (tratamento controle). A câmara de fluxo laminar mostrou-se desnecessária em relação à desinfestação feita com NaClO no meio de cultura. A aplicação de NaClO sobre o meio de cultura inoculado com os tecidos das plantas promoveu eficiente controle da contaminação. As maiores concentrações de NaClO causaram redução no crescimento das plantas. O uso de carvão ativado promoveu melhores resultados em termos de produção de plantas mas, por outro lado, a contaminação foi maior em sua presença. A utilização de seringa descartável mostrou-se viável para a propagação vegetativa das plantas. Embora, com alguns efeitos médios significativos, a diferença entre meios de cultura, reguladores de crescimento e suas concentrações apresentaram tendência geral para a similaridade dos dados de crescimento das plantas, evidenciando a possível simplificação dos procedimentos de desinfestação e cultivo. / There is a great demand for simpler and less costly laboratory techniques and for more accessible procedures for orchid breeders who do not have the necessary theoretical basis to use the traditional seed and clone production methods of orchids in vitro. In this study, three experiments were conducted with the purpose of evaluating chemical disinfection with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) of orchid seeds and tissues for seedling production in vitro, and to test the use of disposable syringes for tissue culture, to dispense with the use of laminar flow in all cases. In the first experiment, seeds of Cattleya intermedia were treated with six NaClO concentrations between 1.2 and 4,800 mg L -1 NaCl, seeded by two methods: seed inoculation in glass jars with a disposable syringe through a hole in the lid, or by opening the jar, removing the lid, and placing the seeds on the medium. In both methods, seeds were inoculated in 2 mL seed – NaClO suspension. These methods were compared with the traditional (control) method, using laminar flow. After previous disinfection with NaClO at a concentration of 2400 mg L -1 , corresponding to 100 mL L -1 commercial bleach (CB), the seeds were rinsed in H 2 O, but without NaClO application to the media in the jars with the seeds. In the second experiment the effectiveness of NaCl concentrations between 1200 and 6,000 mg L -1 (50–250 mL L -1 CB) for the tissues (explants) was tested, applied to culture media in the absence or presence of activated carbon, in comparison with the use of laminar flow without the NaClO application to the media. Explants of two orchid species, Arundina bambusifolia and Epidendrum ibaguenses, were used. The third experiment tested the use of disposable syringes, instead of laminar flow, in three media (MS1/2, GB5 and VW) and with two concentrations of three growth regulators (TDZ, NAA and BAP) for obtaining Phalaenopis spp. seedlings and a Dendrobium nobile hybrid by tissue culture. In the control treatment, the MS1/2 medium was used with 1.0 mg L -1 TDZ in test tubes, and the explants were cultured under normal conditions, using a flow chamber. No contamination was observed in the culture media inoculated with seed – NaClO suspension. At low NaClO concentrations the germination and plant growth rates were higher than in absence of NaClO (control). In comparison, it was found that the application of NaClO dispensed with the use of laminar flow. The contamination control with NaClO application to the culture medium inoculated with the plant tissues was efficient. The highest NaClO concentrations resulted in reduced plant growth. The use of activated carbon led to the best results in terms of plant production while on the other hand, contamination was higher in their presence. The use of disposable syringes was feasible for the vegetative propagation of plants. However, with some significant mean effects, the difference between culture media, growth regulators and their concentrations generally tended to data similarity regarding plant growth, suggesting a possible simplification of the sterilization and cultivation procedures.

University of Macau / Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences

台灣蘭花業者過去憑藉著優異的育種技術以及豐富的種源，在全球蘭花市場上佔有一席之地。由於蘭花經濟價值高，近年已吸引許多國外業者投入栽植與生產，目前包括荷蘭、美國、日本、韓國、泰國、加拿大以及中國大陸等國家的業者都開始切入蘭花市場。就蘭花的銷售而言，影響蘭花價值的因子除了有商品定位形象外，隨著建築風格的改變、空間配置的調整，新的消費需求將決定未來的蘭花價值。 美國蘭花市場是台灣第二大外銷市場，台灣蘭花外銷美國的外銷量在過去3年中平均每年有超過60%成長（外銷值平均則是每年有超過38%的成長），因此美國蘭花市場的變化將可牽動國內蘭花業者的獲利空間。 本研究目的在於分析美國蘭花市場的供應鏈的現況以及批發市場現況、並調查美國政府對於蘭花進口的相關法規制度以及台灣蘭花輸美現況，進以剖析美國蘭花市場以及找尋台灣蘭花在美國市場的商業機會。 經調查發現：美國蘭花市場主要是盆花市場，在1999年至2007年間，美國蘭花盆花市場的批發值（約1.2億美元/每年）約為蘭花切花 批發市場的10 – 16倍；以進出口的比例來看，美國蘭花盆花的進口價值為出口價值的6倍以上，因此美國屬於蘭花盆花淨輸入國；美國蘭花盆花的主要輸入源為：台灣、泰國、荷蘭、加拿大、中國與韓國；其中過去9年中，美國每年自中國、韓國、加拿大以及泰國進口的蘭花價值或是重量的複合年成長率都超越台灣；因此雖然目前台灣仍是美國的蘭花的最主要進口源，但是未來在開創美國市場時，除了應注意荷蘭業者的動態外，亦需注意中國、韓國、加拿大以及泰國的蘭花業者狀態。 美國蘭花切花進口量在2004年達最大以後即開始下滑，雖然進口量下滑但是進口總值提升，足見進口單價明顯提升。 就美國的蘭花進口法規來看，美國農業部認為絕大部分的貿易用蘭花切花都是來自於人工繁殖的植株，因此不屬於CITES的限制範圍；除非有明顯證據證實是採集自野外，否則，在檢查後，蘭花切花的商業性運輸將會被海關放行；另外，美國政府主要是依CITES的規定來執行蘭花盆花進口的查核，而目前CITES中關於人工繁殖的雜交蕙蘭（Cymbidium）、石斛蘭（Dendrobium）（血色石斛蘭（Dendrobium cruentum）除外）、蝴蝶蘭（Phalaenopsis）以及萬代蘭（Vanda）的蘭花有相同的標準，蝴蝶蘭並不是唯一的豁免種類。 就美國國內交易市場現況來看，荷蘭業者以及加拿大業者已將花卉公開拍賣市場機制引進美國，並會透過快遞業者進行蘭花遞送。 總體而言，台灣蘭花盆花以及蘭花切花在美國市場都有發展機會；建議未來的發展方向可包含：1. 依據不同地理區位市場的氣候環境與人口組成，透過育種技術來提供適地適境並符合市場期待的蘭種，並透過主張植物品種權及/或專利權及/或透過營業秘密的方式掌握育種優勢；2. 開始植根美國當地，直接引進台灣的育種與育苗技術進入美國境內（或是鄰近國家）進行蘭花的生產；3. 充分掌握國際與美國國內法規變化、定期調查美國市場需求變動，並善用美國多元化通路，不疏漏美國蘭花切花市場，也不輕忽蝴蝶蘭以外的蘭花盆花市場。 / Taiwan is a major worldwide supplier of orchids due to its outstanding seeding and breeding techniques and the natural environment. In the recent years, the lucrative economic value of orchids has prompted many industries from other countries, such as Holland, United States, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Canada and China to invest in orchid productions. In addition to the merchandise image of orchids that affects their price, demands resulting from the changing architecture styles and interior designs further determine the future value of orchids. The US orchid market is the second biggest place for orchids exported from Taiwan. Over the past three years, the average annual growth rate of orchid export weights from Taiwan to the US is over 60%, while the orchid export value on average has increased by over 38%. Therefore, the role and the possible commercial opportunities of orchids from Taiwan in the US market require further attention from the orchid farmers and the government in Taiwan. The aim of this study is to analyze the possible commercial opportunity of orchid from Taiwan in the US market by understanding the current supply chain and wholesale value of the US orchid market, ascertaining the relevant import and export laws and regulations, and investigating the current state of orchids from Taiwan in the US orchid market. According to previous investigations, it is realized that the potted orchid is the major type purchased in the US. Between 1999 and 2007, the wholesale value of potted orchids is around 120 million dollars per year, which is about 10-16 times more than that of the cut orchid. Furthermore, the US is a net import country of orchids, where the import orchid value is 6 times more than the export orchid value. Taiwan, Thailand, Holland, Canada, China and Korea are the main sources from which orchids are imported to the US. Over the last 9 years, the compound annual growth rates of both the quantity and the value of orchids imported from China, Korea, Canada and Thailand have exceeded those from Taiwan. Therefore, although Taiwan is still the major source where orchids in the US are imported from, the orchid industries from China, Korea, Canada and Thailand in addition to Holland should also be monitored. The peak of imported cut orchid quantity was in 2004 before starting to decline. Meanwhile, however, the imported cut orchid value increased. Therefore, the price for imported cut orchid thrived over the last few years. Based on Cut Flowers and Greenery Import Manual, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)of United States Department of Agriculture considers that “the great majority of orchids encountered in the trade are from artificially propagated plants and therefore fall outside the scope of the CITES Regulations; therefore, INSPECT and RELEASE commercial shipments of cut orchids unless you have convincing proof that the orchids were collected in the wild; neither permits nor certificates are necessary for orchid blossoms from artificially propagated plants”. This indicates that the US government holds a relatively open attitude towards the international cut orchid trades. Moreover, based on CITES appendices valid since July 1, 2008, it is known that “artificially propagated hybrids of the following genera are not subject to the provisions of the Convention, if conditions, as indicated under a) and b), are met: Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis and Vanda”. Therefore, Cymbidium, Dendrobium（except Dendrobium cruentum）, Phalaenopsis and Vanda are under the same protection level based on CITES. Moreover, companies from Holland and Canada have introduced an auction mechanism for orchids into the US orchid market, and the auctioned orchids are delivered by express. The orchid industry in Taiwan has the experience and ability to export a variety of orchids to various countries, and the US orchid market is relatively open to various orchids. Both potted and cut orchids from Taiwan show commercially competitive advantage in the US market, but new marketing strategies of orchids from Taiwan in the US market are required to be implemented prior to the development thereto. Suggestions for the orchid industry in Taiwan include the following. 1. to develop customised orchid plants that are most suitable for specific markets based on the natural environment and/or the demographic make-up, and to allow further development of these dominant species by applying protection under PVPA, plant patent and/or utility patent; 2. to directly introduce the seeding and breeding experiences and techniques from Taiwan to the US or nearby countries to shorten transportation time and to allow for mass production; 3. to regularly acquire information about the changes to the CITES, US import laws and/or regulations and trends in the orchid market, and to fully utilize the diverse orchid distribution routes and the resources from research institutes for the full development of cut and potted orchid markets.