Articles
Breeding for compact growing ornamentals
Article number
1237_1
Pages
1 – 6
Language
English
Abstract
Compact growth is a very important trait in the production of numerous ornamental plants.
In practice this is mainly achieved by regular application of various chemical growth inhibitors.
Other, more sustainable and environmental-friendly, methods used for controlling plant growth are changes in light (intensity and spectrum) conditions, temperature (DIF: difference between day temperature and night temperature) and fertilization.
Cultivar selection is also important.
Via cross breeding and subsequent selection natural compact growing plants can be obtained.
Mutation breeding, chromosome doubling and introduction of rol-genes from Agrobacterium rhizogenes in plants are interesting alternative breeding approaches.
Here we will mainly focus on the application and possibilities of the latter two strategies to develop natural compact growing ornamentals.
In practice this is mainly achieved by regular application of various chemical growth inhibitors.
Other, more sustainable and environmental-friendly, methods used for controlling plant growth are changes in light (intensity and spectrum) conditions, temperature (DIF: difference between day temperature and night temperature) and fertilization.
Cultivar selection is also important.
Via cross breeding and subsequent selection natural compact growing plants can be obtained.
Mutation breeding, chromosome doubling and introduction of rol-genes from Agrobacterium rhizogenes in plants are interesting alternative breeding approaches.
Here we will mainly focus on the application and possibilities of the latter two strategies to develop natural compact growing ornamentals.
Authors
J. Van Huylenbroeck, S. Desmet, E. Dhooghe, E. De Keyser, D. Geelen
Keywords
rol-genes, chromosome doubling, compact growth
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