The University of Hawai'i is trying to genetically engineer hardier anthuriums and orchids.

The move comes despite growing friction between environmentalists and other concerned groups and the biotech industry in response to genetic research on taro and coffee, and concerns that genetically modified papaya are cross-pollinating with non-GMO papaya across the Islands.

Despite such concerns, UH plans to conduct greenhouse trials of two more types of genetically modified organisms and field trials on a third.

The work includes developing a bacteria- and fungus-resistant dendrobium orchid, a bacteria- and fungus-resistant anthurium, and a virus-resistant Mexican lime.

All of the research is being conducted with the backing of the agriculture industry, said Wayne Nishijima, an associate dean at the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

UH, which developed a ringspot-virus-resistant papaya in the mid-1990s, also has conducted research on genetically modified pineapples. However, UH's work on genetically modified taro has touched a nerve among some as being disrespectful to Hawaiian culture. That also has resulted in an offer by the university to give up patents covering taro research.

The university does not anticipate the research into orchids and anthuriums will generate the same level of concern.

"It's nothing that's indigenous to Hawai'i, and (excluding limes) they're not food crops," said Nishijima.

The limes eventually will be tested in fields. However, the orchids and anthuriums will be kept in greenhouses, UH said.

Nevertheless, opponents of genetic crop research and genetically modified food contend that not enough is known about the long-term impact of such products. They point out that many countries, including Japan, won't import them and that genetic research could taint Hawai'i's image.

"I think any GM research that's happening in Hawai'i is of concern just because we don't know the effects of this type of work on soil and insects," said Sarah Sullivan, director for Hawaii Seed, which opposes genetic crop research.

Industry proponents maintain that the risks of such research are minimal and manageable.

Meanwhile, members of both the orchid and anthurium sectors expressed support for the work at UH.

"We'd love everything and anything they do for us," said Graham Wood, chairman for the Hawaii Orchid Association. "It's a great help because we're competing with the Taiwanese, who get a lot of government support."

Similarly, Harold Tanouye, founder and president of Green Point Nurseries in Hilo, said UH work promises to cut down on the costs of plant propagation methods aimed at controlling bacteria that attack anthuriums.

"The biotechnology is a way of reducing the costs of production," he said. "We're doing everything to cut costs in order to remain a viable diversified crop grown in Hawai'i."

Lowering costs is key because Hawai'i anthuriums compete with those grown in lower-wage countries such as Costa Rica, Jamaica and Trinidad.

"We're talking about places that pay $5 to $8 a day for supervisory labor," Tanouye said. "That won't even pay for one hour of work here."

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.