Interspecific hybrid: An attempt to combine advantage of carnation and pinks

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in open field to assess the ornamental utility of an interspecific hybrid obtained by crossing D. caryophyllus and D. chinensis. Significant variation was noticed for Flower stalk yield per plant, flower stalk length, number of flowers per stalk, internodal length, girth of flower stalk, angle of bending and vase life. D. caryophyllus is known to be having good cut flower values whereas D. chinensis is found to be advantageous for its easy cultivation as well as higher yield. CS-1, the interspecific hybrid was found to have inherited the stalk length and stem girth of D. caryophyullus and yield pattern of D. chinensis. Having higher yield, attractive flowers and with more flowers on a single sturdy stalk, CS-1 was found to have a commercial potential to be grown as a miniature spray carnation in open field. The interspecific hybrid also found to have inherent genetic potential to be unraveled and to be improved in future carnation breeding program.