We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Enhancement of the genetic variability in Pelargonium by utilisation of species of the section Pelargonium
Project
Project code: JKI-ZGO-08-4147
Contract period: 01.03.2011
- 01.12.2019
Purpose of research: Applied research
Keywords: Pelargonium, Horticulture
The development of today's Pelargonium cultivars, one of the most important ornamental groups, could be traced back to crosses with only a few species mainly from the section Ciconium. Despite numerous cultivars, there is often only a very low level of genetic and phenotypic variation. Modern varieties of Pelargonium are an illustrating example for the tunnel effect after a several hundred years of plant breeding. However, the genus Pelargonium providing over 200 wild species in 16 sections offers a much greater genetic diversity. Numerous wild species of the section Pelargonium are characterized by totally different traits in comparison to the cultivated varieties such as flower traits, habitus or demands on culture conditions. The utility of these species failed, among others, because of cross barriers like differing ploidy levels and the availability of these resources for crosses. Modern methods of plant breeding can make these species accessible for the application-oriented plant breeding.
The aim of the project is to examine the possibilities of interspecific hybridization between species of the section Pelargonium, but also with varieties and species of other sections, and for this reason to identify new genetic resources for breeding. For the evaluation of wild species of the section Pelargonium, pollination studies, genetic, cytogenetic and molecular investigations should be carried out, as well as in-vitro culture techniques are going to be adapted.
Section overview
Subjects
- Horticulture
- Genetic Resources
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops (JKI-ZG)
