Promising interspecific hybrids of pelargoniums in the humid subtropics of Russia

Abstract

The article presents the results of many years of breeding studies with species and varieties of the genus Pelargonium L`Herit. A genetic collection of pelargonium has been formed on the basis of the Subtropical Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It has 215 accessions and includes 35 natural species, 30 varieties of domestic and 150 foreign breeding. The hybrid fund contains 77 variety and 59 interspecific hybrids. Hybridization of species, varieties and hybrids of P. crispum, with a set of positive qualities, was carried out. The breeding is aimed at creating varieties of a new generation, not only decorative, but also aromatic. The following species in interspecific crosses involved the types of: P. crispum (Berg.) L’Herit., P. betulinum (L.) L’Herit, P. capitatum (L.), L’Herit., P. citronellum J.J.A. van der Walt, P. cordifolium (Cav.) Curt., P. cucullatum (L.) L’Herit., fragrant pelargonium variety ‘Gemstone’, interspecific hybrids Sp12-01, Sp-12-05 and Angel varieties: ‘Michael’, ‘Tip-Top’, ‘Pansy’, ‘Ralf’. Promising hybrids most adapted for cultivation in the humid subtropics of southern Russia were identified on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation of ornamentality and biological features. The possibilities of creating new modern pelargonium genotypes using the interspecific hybridization method are demonstrated. The object of research was a hybrid fund of interspecific crosses of 2012-2017. Species and varieties that are capable of transmitting to the first generation of hybrids a complex of breeding-significant characters: P. crispum, R.‘Gemstone ’and‘ Freshness of Morning ’have been identified. Morpho-biological features of interspecific hybrids are studied. Six hybrid forms have been identified for cultivation in the humid subtropics of Russia. They are promising for phytocompositions in sanatorium parks. Hybrids GG 15-15 and Sp16-07 are interested for further breeding as sources of breeding-significant characteristics (aroma and adaptability) for creation new generation of domestic varieties.