During the yearly event for our Dutch growers in 2018, Anthura announced that the DNA of Anthurium and Phalaenopsis had been sequenced and mapped. For the application of molecular techniques, having the DNA information alone is not enough. This information must be linked to plant properties. This allows breeders to speed up the breeding process by applying selections at a DNA level. This makes the search for new varieties more efficient and allows for more targeted breeding of sustainable varieties. This is one of the reasons why the Research Centre has been built: the layout and setup have been chosen in such a way that it can be optimally implemented. The location is where the company was built in 1979 on the Anthuriumweg, Bleiswijk. The demolished greenhouse was mainly 40 years old.
Setup of the Research Centre
An important characteristic for the future is resistance. We are going to increase the resistance of our varieties and reduce their susceptibility to disease. For resistance breeding, it is necessary to conduct research and trials with pathogens. For this purpose, a separate section has been set up with closed examination rooms that meet all the requirements for this work to be carried out safely.
The staff are working more and more on better varieties at a molecular level. A good molecular laboratory is a prerequisite for molecular research and breeding. Up to now, the activities have been accommodated in the Plant Pathogen Laboratory.
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