CALIBRACHOA BREEDING ADVANCES IN ARGENTINA

Calibrachoa La Llave & Lexarza (Solanaceae) is an American genus with high ornamental and economic value due to the existence of many successful commercial varieties for pot plant and landscaping use. Historically, Calibrachoa has been included in the Petunia Jussieu genus due to morphological similarities. However, now, they are considered two separated genera: Calibrachoa species are predominantly perennial shrubs, while Petunia species correspond mainly to herbaceous annual plants. The Institute of Floriculture INTA Castelar (IF) has initiated a Calibrachoa breeding programme with the aim to obtain compact plants, with no pruning or growth regulator needs, and suitable for Argentinean weather conditions. Crossings between selected clones of five native species, seven intra and interspecific hybrids obtained in IF, and one commercial variety, were performed. It was possible to obtain normal plants in all combinations. The most compact plants of each cross combination were selected and cloned. Cuttings were characterised for the number of branches after 40 days culture. Compact plants were selected and field evaluated in two different locations. Plant height and number of flowers were recorded for selected clones.