Chinese scientists from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University and the National Orchid Conservation Center of China have completed the genome sequencing of Vanilla shenzhenica, producing the world's first orchid genetic map.

"The research has helped us to understand the evolutionary history of the orchid, and it's of great importance to the conservation and breeding of the species," said Lan Siren, head of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University.

Liu Zhongjian, chief scientist of the National Orchid Conservation Center of China said that the genome sequencing would make it possible to alter orchid properties through transgenic technology, indicating a possibility that a synthetic version of vanilla may be produced in the future.

Vanilla is the world's second expensive spice after saffron. For more details, read the news release at the website of the Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China.