Conservation, micropropagation and morphological characterization of a wild population of chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)

B. Morales-Vazquez, M.T. Colinas-León, J.M. Mejía-Muñoz, J. Martínez, M.T. Martínez-Damian, D.E. Gómez-Pedraza, M.J. Juárez-Hernández
Cosmos atrosanguineus is a native Mexican species, almost extint. In 2015 a scarce wild population was found and collected. In order to preserve and characterize this population, seeds obtained from micropropagated plants were planted. Thereto explants of wild plants were introduced into in vitro culture. The micropropagated plants were subsequently cultivated in a greenhouse and seeds were obtained. Afterwards the seeds were sown and the germination rate was evaluated. The morphological characterization of the plants was carried out when flowering began. The tuberous roots were evaluated at the end of the flowering period. The main results showed that micropropagation was achieved from explants of nodal segments and MS medium. Most of the seeds germinated between 9 and 15 days after sowing. The length of the flower peduncle varied between 35 and 55 cm, the average plant height was 9 cm, after 4-5 pairs of compound leaves the flower bud appears. Dark and light tones were observed in the flowers and the chocolate fragrance was perceived in all plants and 4-5 tuberous roots per plant were observed. In conclusion, morphological variation of the plants was observed within the population. The present variation in the flower colors and the presence of the fragrance, offer the potential to derive improved materials for use as an ornamental plant through the cloning of outstanding individuals.
Morales-Vazquez, B., Colinas-León, M.T., Mejía-Muñoz, J.M., Martínez, J., Martínez-Damian, M.T., Gómez-Pedraza, D.E. and Juárez-Hernández, M.J. (2023). Conservation, micropropagation and morphological characterization of a wild population of chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus). Acta Hortic. 1368, 299-304
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1368.38
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1368.38
in vitro, ornamental, seeds, tuberous roots, variation
English

Acta Horticulturae