Reselection of Carnation Varieties
Subject:
Reselection of Carnation Varieties
Abstract:
Carnations are constantly mutating, usually to degenerate forms. Because of the highly heterozygous nature of most varieties, chances are good for mutant forms to arise. Most growers are familiar with the appearance of color sports. Much more frequent are sports for "off-type" flowers and degenerate growth habits. There is no question that varieties do run out, if some system is not used to reselect them regularly and to propagate only from plants which produce the best flowers. Varieties have actually been improved by systematic selection. Reselection of carnation varieties has been used successfully at Colorado State University for the past 10 years.
Source: • Minnesota State Florists' Bulletin
Libraries: Floriculture