In the world of botany, where the beauty and complexity of plant life often go unnoticed by the average person, Professor Rusea Go stands out as a dedicated scientist who has devoted her career to the study and conservation of orchids.
Known for her significant contributions to orchid biodiversity and the discovery of new species, Go’s work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but has also played a crucial role in the conservation of these delicate and often endangered plants.
In a recent interview, Go tells The Petri Dish her early fascination with the natural world began at a young age. “I was captivated by the intricate beauty of plants and that is why botany seemed like a natural path for me to explore the subject passionately.[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
Despite the perception that botany is a traditional and perhaps even outdated field in science, Go has found endless inspiration in the study of plant life.
“What keeps me motivated is the constant discovery and the realisation that there is so much we still don’t know about the plant kingdom. Each new finding, no matter how small, contributes to our understanding of life on Earth.”
Connection with orchids
While there are countless plant species worthy of study, Go’s focus on orchids is driven by their unique place in the ecosystem.
“Orchids are not just beautiful; they are critical to the biodiversity of the ecosystems where they are found,” she says. According to her, they often have very specialised relationships with pollinators and other organisms, making them essential to the ecology of the plant kingdom.
However, this specialisation also makes orchids particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
She says: “One of the most pressing threats to orchid biodiversity today is habitat loss. As forests are cleared for agriculture or urban development, many orchid species lose their natural habitats and face extinction. Illegal collection, of orchid species by collectors can also decimate wild populations.
Challenges in conservation and reintroduction
The challenge of conserving orchids doesn’t end with protecting them in the wild only. Reintroducing cultivated or rescued orchids back into their natural habitats is a complex process fraught with difficulties.
“Reintroduction is crucial because it helps restore ecological balance and ensures the survival of species that may no longer exist in the wild. However, it’s not as simple as planting a seedling in the ground. Orchids have very specific habitat requirements, and we must ensure that the conditions are just right for them to thrive.
“This process often involves painstaking work to recreate the exact conditions of the orchid’s natural habitat, including the presence of specific fungi that many orchids need in order to survive. It’s a delicate balance, and even with the best efforts, reintroduction can fail if any element of the habitat is missing,” she adds.
Go suggests authorities mandated to manage our biodiversity, environment, and ecosystem should have the right personnel who are experts in biodiversity and the ecosystem. These experts must have an adequate understanding of biodiversity, protection, and conservation through strict enforcement of the existing forestry acts and environmental laws.
She says a few governmental departments work in collaboration with experts, which is just the starting point, as experts could play an advisory role but have no power to implement or enforce any actions. “However, many of the experts’ advice was not heeded due to some sensitivity related to jurisdictions of power,” she points out.
Thrill of discovery
One of the most exciting aspects of Go’s career has been the discovery of new orchid species. “Discovering a new species is always a thrilling experience and it is not an everyday affair. It is one of the most satisfying achievements for a botanist,” she says with a victorious smile.
“It starts with a suspicion— perhaps a plant does not quite match the known characteristics of other species in the area. The process involves meticulous observation, comparison with existing species, and often, genetic analysis to confirm that the orchid is indeed a new species”.
Throughout Go’s 25 years as a botanist, she has described 15 new species of which 11 are orchids, which bear her name. “The challenges in developing orchid hybrids are similar,” she explains. “It requires careful selection of parent plants and understanding the genetic traits that will be expressed in the offspring. There’s a lot of trial and error involved, and success is never guaranteed.”
Asked about the moment she realised she had discovered a new species, Go recalls it as “a moment of pure joy and accomplishment.”
“The process of identifying a new species involves recognising unique characteristics or traits that set the orchid apart from its relatives. It could be the shape of the flower, the pattern of the leaves, or even the scent,” she says.
Looking to the future
As technology advances, Go sees a bright future for botanical research, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). “AI has the potential to revolutionise our work,” she says.
“From automating the identification process to predicting how climate change will affect orchid populations, the possibilities are endless with this new technology.”
However, she expresses concern about the declining interest among students in fields like botany, biodiversity, taxonomy, and conservation. “These fields are crucial for our understanding of the natural world. If we lack experts in these areas, we risk losing not only species but also the knowledge needed to preserve our ecosystems.”
Illegal orchid trade in Malaysia
Malaysia, with its rich biodiversity, has significant potential in the orchid trade. However, Go notes that more can be done to realise this potential. “To improve the orchid trade, we need to focus on sustainable practices, invest in research, and ensure that our regulations support both conservation and commercial interests,” she advises.
“I would like to voice my deep concern on the poaching of wild orchids from our forests for sale in privately owned nurseries or via social media. These illegal collectors go into the forest with their NGO, some not registered with the Malim Gunung (agency endorsed by the Forestry Dept of Peninsular Malaysia).”
In conclusion, Go’s work is a testament to the importance of dedication, passion, and curiosity in science. Her contributions to orchid research have not only enriched our understanding of these remarkable plants but have also highlighted the critical need for conservation in a rapidly changing world. As she continues her work, Go remains a beacon of inspiration for future generations of botanists and conservationists.
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