Intergeneric hybridization of marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens) with annual chrysanthemum (Glebionis carinatum) and crown daisy (G. coronaria) using ovule culture

Abstract

To diversify flower color and growth habit of marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens), intergeneric crossing was carried out using marguerite as the seed parent and annual chrysanthemum (Glebionis carinatum) or crown daisy (G. coronaria) as the pollen parent. After cross-pollination, seedlings were successfully obtained by applying ovule culture. Ovule culture-derived plants showed novel characteristics in flower shape and color (orange, reddish brown, or wisteria pink) that are not observed in marguerite. Some also showed novel flowering habits such as perpetual flowering. The results indicate that these ovule culture-derived plants were intergeneric hybrids and that the hybrids obtained in the present study may be useful for further breeding of marguerite, especially for introducing valuable characteristics such as a wide range of flower color. Copyright © 2008 The Japanese Society for Plant Cell and Molecular Biology.