Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) for functional analysis of genes involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the perianth of Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium hybrids

•We firstly conducted Cymbidium mosaic virus induced gene silencing in Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium hybrids (Den-Phals).•The regulatory gene DhMYB2 for anthocyanin biosynthesis was considered as a visible marker in VIGS study for floral genes function in Den-Phals.•DhMYB2 was demonstrated as the key regulatory gene for the anthocyanin accumulation in sepals, petals and mid-lobes of labella in flowers of Den-Phals.