ISHS Acta Horticulturae 420: Ornamental Plant Improvement: Classical and Molecular
INTERSPECIFIC EXACUM HYBRIDS-NOVEL GERMPLASM FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A NEW FLORICULTURAL CROP |
| Authors: | A. Riseman, R. Craig |
| Abstract:
The floriculture breeding program at The Pennsylvania State University, USA, has identified a unique germplasm resource from Sri Lanka that could provide an important new and novel ornamental plant for the horticultural industry. Six Exacum species endemic to Sri Lanka have been collected and evaluated for horticultural merit. These Sri Lankan accessions exhibit valuable horticultural characteristics such as large flowers colored from light blue to dark violet, unique growth habits and attractive glossy green foliage. The collection includes accessions suitable for pot plant, bedding plant and cut flower production. The germplasm collection includes more than 100 advanced breeding selections and represents the second through sixth generation selections from the original species. Fundamental and applied research studies include cytological, biochemical, and morphological investigations, elucidation of trait transmission patterns, determination of fertility levels and evaluation of germplasm for zinc efficiency. Applied studies include evaluation of cultural and environmental effects on growth and flowering. | |
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