ISHS Acta Horticulturae 325: VI International Symposium on Flower Bulbs
A REVIEW OF HYBRIDIZATION AND OTHER RESEARCH ON LACHENALIA IN SOUTH AFRICA |
| Authors: | A.F. Coertze, F. L. Hancke, E. Louw, J. G. Niederwieser, P. J. Klesser |
| Abstract:
A research programme on Lachenalia was initiated in the early 1960's at the Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute. Originally the aim was to develop new hybrids for commercial pot plant production. A genebank was established and by means of interspecies crossings, intercrossing of fertile hybrids and back crossings, several new hybrids were developed of which 32 have been released as new cultivars and plant breeder's rights have been acquired. As the breeding programme proceeded, cytogenetical work was undertaken and B-chromosomes were discovered in some species and hybrids. Techniques to multiply the plants in vivo and in vitro have been developed as well as a technique for the long term in vitro storage of vegetative material. Apart from these, anatomical studies on flower differentiation were done and the optimum temperature conditions for bulb storage were determined. Studies on the manipulation of flowering date have shown that the crop can be manipulated to flower all year round. Virus-free bulbs of the cultivars were produced for distribution and small quantities of virus-free stock material of the hybrids are being maintained. Lachenalia is an excellent pot plant and it is expected that these new hybrids will be very well accepted on the markets in different countries. | |
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