Hybrids vs Mericlones

[DebsC]

Do you have a preference when it comes to mericlones of a orchid vs a hybrid?

[Shadow]

I didn't understand your question. The hybrid can be a mericlone. The specie can be a mericlone. So, how one can prefer either hybrids or mericlones???

[Phantasm]

Either hybrids or species can be mericloned depending on the genus. If I understand the question correctly, it is would you prefer 1) a hybrid cross made from seed, or 2) a mericlone from a hybrid cross. The difference being that you have either a unique seedling or a (usually) higher quality mericlone.
If you want to know exactly what you are getting, then buy a mericlone. If you want variation, then grow a flask or compot of a cross and perhaps some will be as good or better than the mericlone. Keep in mind that most mericlones are selected from the best plants in a specific cross.

[DebsC]

Okay, on the one hand you have a very old hybrid.

On the other, you have this same plant that has been mericloned by a man-made process. Yes, it is still the hybrid but it has been mass reproduced from tissue.

I'm not arguing the difference between the two. Just wondering if you had the choice, which you would want or would it make a difference to you.

DebsC

[Tindomul]

Could there be genetic mistakes on Mericlones? Especially if you make a Mericlone from a mericlone that came from a mericlone. etc......???

[Magnus A]

Yes Tindomul1of9, you can get "genetic mistakes" on Mericlones. Random mutation when cells divide will introduce variations that when the proteocorn is divided mechanicaly several times will end up in isolated plants.

[smartie2000]

Do you mean in this poll:

seed cross vs. mericlone?

[DebsC]

Phantasm explained the question much better than I put it. Thank you, P!

My train of thought, such as it is, is this. When I see a famous old hybrid, possibly a stud plant or not. I see it's value not only for the plant it is but also because it was a good enough cross that it "made it."

It was also good enough that it survived the years and trends and was preserved in collections. To own a division of that plant was/is to have a piece of history in your greenhouse. A prize of sorts.

But with mericloning, billions of this plant can be made. This is good in some respects since more people can enjoy having the plant.

But it seems to somehow devalue the original plant. Or at least it seems that way to me. So I wondered if I was the only one to feel this way.

Debs

[smartie2000]

There's always excitement to see a first bloom on a seed cross! But I'd buy either one

[Shadow]

My choice will depend on particular plant. If I want exactly this plant I will buy a mericlone, if I want any plant of this hybrid or specie I will buy seedling. But there is no such option in this poll.