PH To See New Native Varieties Of Ornamental Plants In 3 Years
ORNAMENTAL PLANTS – The Philippines may have new varieties and hybrids of ornamental plants, especially Gumamela and Hoya, within the next 3 years.
According to the Manila Bulletin, the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) said that the development of new Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and Hoya are “underway” as it launched two new breeding projects on the two plants.
The first project fixates on the development of new Hibiscus varieties via hybridization and embryo rescue and was aimed at producing locally-adapted gumamela plants that can bloom well, especially even under hot or tropical conditions.
“In the Philippines, there is a preference for imported or international varieties of Gumamela because of their large, multi-colored petals. However, these varieties do not bloom well in low and hot areas of the country,”
Agripina O. Rasco and Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita of the Institute of Plant Breeding of the University of the Philippines Los Baños were pursuing the said project.
“At least six new NSIC (National Seed Industry Council)-approved gumamela varieties and two interspecific hybrids are expected to be delivered by 2024,”
The second project, on the other hand, focuses on the country’s native Hoyas.
“Hoya is one of the country’s most outstanding endemic ornamental plants with high commercial value but has been given very limited research attention,”
New Hoya varieties with new color or form, profuse flowering, and longer blooming period were expected to be introduced.
“The team targets five potential varieties with new flower color or form and good blooming habit and at least five propagated materials of each potential variety, among many other outputs,”
Maria Luisa D. Guevarra of the IPB-UPLB is currently the leader of the second project.
Based on the report, the two projects were part of DOST-PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) for Ornamental Plants.
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