Breeding of ornamentals: Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)

Abstract

In the floriculture industry there is always demand and necessity for new and novel varieties. The colour, form and scent of the flower are the primary novelty markers in the global flower industry. Genetic diversity plays an important role in breeding. P. tuberosa is grown all over the world for cut flower production, for floriculture trade and as a source of oil. Breeding has successfully developed high yielding varieties in India, but there is no new colour. Literature survey indicates that development of coloured tuberose is possible through creation of genetic variability through conscious/selective breeding. Collection of coloured germplasm is the most important step in developing new flower colour tuberose through hybridization and induced in vitro mutagenesis.