This book provides information on genome complexity and evolution, transcriptome analysis, miRNome, simple sequence repeats, genome relationships, molecular cytogenetics, polyploidy induction and application, flower and embryo development. Orchids account for a great part of the worldwide floriculture trade both as cut flowers and as potted plants and are assessed to comprise around 10% of global fresh cut flower trade. A better understanding of the basic botanical characteristics, flower regulation, molecular cytogenetics, karyotypes and DNA content of important orchids will aid in the efficient development of new cultivars. The book also describes the composition, expression and function of various microRNAs and simple sequence repeats. Information on their involvement in all aspects of plant growth and development will aid functional genomics studies .

Chapter 1. The Global Orchid Market.- Chapter 2. The Breeding of Phalaenopsis Hybrids.- Chapter 3. The Tiny Twig Epiphyte Erycina Pusilla.- Chapter 4. Phalaenopsis Genome and Transcriptome Exploitation and its Application for Breeding.- Chapter 5. Chromosome Analysis of Phalaenopsis Yellow Cultivars.- Chapter 6. Regulation of Flowering in Orchids.- Chapter 7. The Roles of MADS-box Genes During Orchid Floral Development.- Chapter 8. Genomics, Transcriptomics and miRNA Family Resources for Phalaenopsis Aphrodite and the Orchid Family.- Chapter 9. Genes and Noncoding RNAs Involved in Flower Development in Orchis Italica.- Chapter 10. Phylogeny, Polymorphism, and SSR Markers of Phalaenopsis.