ISHS Acta Horticulturae 810: IX International Vaccinium Symposium
A BLUEBERRY BY CRANBERRY HYBRID DERIVED FROM A VACCINIUM DARROWII × (V. MACROCARPON × V. OXYCOCCOS) INTERSECTIONAL CROSS |
| Authors: | N. Vorsa, J. Johnson-Cicalese, J. Polashock |
| Keywords: | Vaccinium darrowii, V. macrocarpon, V. oxycoccos, Cyanococcus, Oxycoccus, intersectional hybrids |
| Abstract:
The range of variation for specific traits within a species (the primary gene pool) may be limiting. Thus, the next possible source of desirable traits may be with related species within the genus (secondary gene pools). Vaccinium corymbosum by V. macrocarpon hybridizations have failed to produce viable offspring. The intersectional cross between the Florida evergreen blueberry, V. darrowii (sect. Cyanococcus), and diploid small-fruited cranberry, V. oxycoccos (sect. Oxycoccus) has yielded some weak offspring that failed to thrive. We have recovered a viable hybrid between V. darrowii and a V. macrocarpon × V. oxycoccos interspecific hybrid. Morphologically, the initial plant phenotype was dwarf-like with diminutive structures including very small leaves (4 x 1.5 mm) and short internodes. After a number of years, a vigorous shoot was produced with larger leaves (11 x 4 mm), giving a morphology intermediate to the parents. Stems of each phenological type have been asexually propagated and maintain the respective phenotypes. RAPD fingerprints from tissues of the two phenotypes appear identical. Floral inflorescence buds were set in summer 2007 on the ‘intermediate’ phenotype stems. Flower morphology was intermediate to the parents with petals campanulate and deeply lobed. Fertility will be examined spring 2008. DNA flow cytometry estimates indicate tissues are diploid. | |
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