Research advances on the gene regulation of floral development and color in orchids

Orchidaceae is one of the largest monocotyledon families and contributes significantly to worldwide biodiversity, with value in the fields of landscaping, medicine, and ecology. The diverse phenotypes and vibrant colors of orchid floral organs make them excellent research objects for investigating flower development and pigmentation. In recent years, a number of orchid genomes have been published, laying the molecular foundation for revealing flower development and color presentation. In this article, we review transcription factors, the structural genes responsible for the floral pigment synthesis pathways, the molecular mechanisms of flower morphogenesis, and the potential relationship between flower type and flower color. This study provides a theoretical reference for the research on molecular mechanisms related to flower morphogenesis and color presentation, genetic improvement, and new variety creation in orchids.