Genetic Resources Exploration of Temanggung Wild Orchid in Arabica Coffee Agroforestry : A Conservation Effort and Initial Step in Plant Breeding

Abstract

Wild orchids represent valuable genetic resources that are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and environmental disturbance. This study aimed to explore, identify, and evaluate the morphological diversity and phenetic relationships of wild orchid species occurring in arabica coffee based agroforestry systems on the slopes of Mount Sindoro, Temanggung Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Field exploration was conducted from December 2025 to January 2026 in three sub-districts, resulting in the identification of ten wild orchid species, comprising seven epiphytic and three terrestrial orchids. A total of 35 vegetative and reproductive morphological characters were observed and scored. Phenetic similarity analysis was performed using the UPGMA clustering method with the NTSYSpc software.  The results revealed a wide range of morphological variation among the species, reflected by similarity index values ranging from 0.1143 to 0.9429, indicating high diversity. Cluster analysis separated the orchids into two major groups, with several closely related subgroups, particularly among species within the same genus. Notably, C. purpureum and C. ophrydis exhibited very high morphological similarity despite distinct floral coloration, suggesting close genetic relationships. The presence of diverse orchid species within coffee agroforestry systems highlights the role of agroforestry in maintaining native flora and providing opportunities for in situ conservation. These findings provide essential baseline data for orchid conservation strategies and serve as an initial reference for future breeding and genetic studies of wild orchids in Java