BREEDING OF DWARF TUBEROSE (POLIANTHES TUBEROSA L.)

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is one of the most important floral crops in Taiwan. The long spikes of fragrant flowers are excellent for cut flowers. People like their sweet fragrance. Two major cultivars, namely, white-colored cvs. ‘Single’ and ‘Double’, were cultivated for commercial production. Crosses and back crosses among P. tuberosa ‘Single’, P. tuberosa ‘Double’, P. x howardii and P. x blissii were made and several hybrids showing pink, reddish-purple, purple, orange and yellow flower colors were selected. However, the long spikes of flowers in these colored hybrids were only suitable for cut flowers. To broaden the utilization of tuberose, further breeding programs were conducted. Four hybrids showing a dwarf plant type were reselected and may be released for use as pot and/or bedding plants. The pedigrees and flowering performance of these selected dwarf tuberose hybrids are presented.

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