Articles
From wild roots to cultivar candidates: evaluation of horticultural traits in a range-wide field trial of oakleaf hydrangea illuminates breeding trade-offs and opportunities
Article number
1467_18
Pages
147 – 160
Language
English
Abstract
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia Bartr.) is a southeastern US native shrub valued for its ornamental traits but limited by a narrow cultivated genetic base and susceptibility to bacterial leaf spot.
To expand breeding potential, we conducted a three-year field trial of 17 wild populations spanning the species’ latitudinal range, evaluating architectural traits, floral display, growth dynamics, and leaf spot incidence.
Populations differed significantly across all traits evaluated.
Latitude of origin showed a strong influence on plant size, with southern populations consistently growing taller and wider than northern populations.
Growth rate was more variable and environmentally sensitive, showing no consistent latitudinal trend.
Leaf spot incidence varied significantly among populations but was not correlated with latitude, suggesting genotype-driven resistance that is context-dependent.
Floral traits were highly variable and independent of geographic origin, indicating broad potential for ornamental selection.
To expand breeding potential, we conducted a three-year field trial of 17 wild populations spanning the species’ latitudinal range, evaluating architectural traits, floral display, growth dynamics, and leaf spot incidence.
Populations differed significantly across all traits evaluated.
Latitude of origin showed a strong influence on plant size, with southern populations consistently growing taller and wider than northern populations.
Growth rate was more variable and environmentally sensitive, showing no consistent latitudinal trend.
Leaf spot incidence varied significantly among populations but was not correlated with latitude, suggesting genotype-driven resistance that is context-dependent.
Floral traits were highly variable and independent of geographic origin, indicating broad potential for ornamental selection.
Authors
L. Alexander, C. Jennings, A. Sherwood, S.C. Hokanson
Keywords
bacterial leaf spot, cultivar development, Hydrangea quercifolia, native plants, plant architecture, trait correlation networks,
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