NEW FORMS OF GLOXINIA GYMNOSTOMA (GESNERIACEAE) PRODUCED BY POLYPLOIDIZATION

The morphologic characteristics and the attractive flowering of Argentinean native plant Gloxinia gymnostoma, give this species a high potential as an ornamental pot plant. In order to improve the plant architecture and to obtain new forms and characteristics to be used in breeding this species, polyploidy was induced by treating seeds with different colchicine solutions. Chromosome doubling has been extensively used in several crops for breeding purposes. In our work, tetraploid individuals obtained presented bigger flowers and leaves, a reduction in plant height and a more compact shape making them more suitable for commercial pot plant market. These new forms with improved plant architecture provide enhanced material for the breeding program and for the development of new cultivars.