Fabrice,
I haven't seen a single plant of US breeding personally, and too few from Taiwan to make valid comments on their differences. I find it difficult to judge flowers from pictures, especially if you're looking at different samples (select nursery plants vs random forum posts). I forgot who mentioned it, but apparently the Taiwanese look for good flower presentation on tall stems a little harder than US breeders who focus more on the flower itself. Maybe that's another generalisation.
We are also not using the full potential of the roths in our country. Some growers own excellent plants which aren't used for breeding. The Hennis nursery still owns a nice roth collected by Wilhelm Hennis back in the 1890ies.
Ratcliffe offered F2 progeny of Commander a couple of years ago, I hope they'll compare nicely to the Asian breeding.
John Boy,
thanks for your comments, highly appreciated. Having been part of the judging system only in recent years, I don't feel offended :evil:
Honestly, the system isn't perfect, as is the AOS system and the RHS system. At least, we are finally in a situation where improvements are possible, and I know that a number of suggestions have been made and will be discussed shortly.
Willi Kenntner once said that his breeding goals were obviously not in line with what judges appreciate. I can't remember Kenntners plants on the table in the past five years, but I know his outstanding wilhelminaes, for example, and I own a Wayne Booth off him which is outstanding.
I agree that the former head of judging had clear personal preferences. You know he's gone.
It might be a bit unfair to state that most Germans (Paph fanciers) won't recognize a good roth even if its shown to them. Especially after there aren't any in the country
oke:
A WOW plant causes "wows" no matter from whom, and most
trained eyes will be able to analyse a flower good enough to tell award quality (in any system) from a poor flower.
Cheers,