Production of Interspecific Hybrid Plants by Crossing Hydrangea macrophylla f. hortensia (Lam.) Rehd. and H. quercifolia Bartr. through Ovule Culture

Abstract

"Interspecific hybrids of Hydrangea macrophylla and H. quercifolia were obtained through ovule culture. H. macrophylla 'Blue Diamond', 'Haruna' and H. quercifolia 'Snow Queen' were used. No viable hybrid seeds were obtained by conventional hybridzation. To circumvent the reproductive barrier, ovules were cultured on half- length MS medium containing 3% sucrose. Putative hybrid plantlets were recovered from crosses of H. macrophylla 'Blue Diamond' and H. quercifolia, but not H. macrophylla 'Haruna' and H. quercifolia. The plantlets showed an intermediate-type morphology of leaf serration and veins. The importance of ovule culture techniques in Hydrangea breeding is discussed."