Having a PhD in one of the biological sciences, I think I have a good understanding about the actual genetics of living things, but the whole business of orchid hybrid nomenclature is something else, and here's my question:
I see that self- or sib- crosses of hybrids are typically noted as "x self" and "x sib." That part is simple. However, how do we keep track of the self/sib crossing when a "x self" or "x sib" is crossed with another plant to create a hybrid?
For example, if the name of the hybrid orchid A crossed with hybrid orchid B is already named hybrid orchid C, it is the case that hybrid orchid A x self (or x sib) crossed with hybrid orchid B an also be named hybrid orchid C?
Or are we discouraged to use self/sib crossed plants for crossings, to keep us from having this conundrum?
Furthermore, when a known crossing (crossing that already been named) results in 4N plants, do we still call that hybrid with the same name? How about the crosses of the 4N plants???
Also, for that matter, does the nomenclature system really distinguish between a division/mericlone vs. self/sibling/4N crosses?
Or do I have too much time on my hands???
Aer. magnifica #1 by WEST VIC, on Flickr
Aer. magnifica #2 by WEST VIC, on Flickr
