Source: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA submitted to
INTRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0201712
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
FLA-APO-04158
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2004
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2010
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Henny, R. J.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
G022 MCCARTY HALL
GAINESVILLE,FL 32611
Performing Department
AGRI RES & ED CENTER, APOPKA
Non Technical Summary
The ornamental industry depends on the introdluction of new plant materials to progress and expand market share in the twenty-first century. This project is to identify new ornamental plants that will provide the foundation for improvement in yield, quality, adaptability, pest resistance,and aesthetic value of ornamental crops such as cut flowers, flowering potted plants, and landscape plants.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
25%
Applied
50%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20321211080100%
Goals / Objectives
A. To provide statewide reports of plant taxa being collected and screened which may be introduced as source materials for release to the industry or for use in scientific research projects such as breeding, nutrition, and growth regulation and to encourage individual workers to record information on the source of each plant taxa at time of entry; and to report information on later performance by defining parameters which relate directly to introduction of plants and their evaluation. B. To report suitability for cultivation listings of plant taxa, their potential for breeding stock germplasm or other investigative uses and to include any reports on final testing at several locations of new genotypes selected for possible release into local cultivation. Also to provide listings of plant taxa that are unsuitable because of poor adaptive traits, poor quality factors, or danger of becoming weed pests.
Project Methods
A) Objective 1. Performance data will be recorded for plant introductions after these are placed in local test cultivation and will be determined by each investigator and their choice of characters considered desirable. Each investigator also assumes responsibility for making observations on causes of plant failures and any undesirable characters which should limit further distribution. Some of the various parameters that might be evaluated that might be evaluated are: a) Growth and flowering characteristics: vigor, height, diameter, lodging resistance, branching, number of flowers and flowering date b) Pest resistance: tolerance and/or resistance to diseases, insects, nematodes, and physiological disorders. c) Yield: total weight, number, and size of propagules (i.e. tubers, corms, cuttings, etc.) d) Physical characteristics: flower and fruit size, appearance, foliage and flower color, optimum plant proportion. e) Postproduction quality: shelf life, resistance to postproduction diseases. f) Consumer acceptance: panels and market studies. B. Objective Two: 1) Variety trials with seeded cultivars or vegetatively propagated clones of closely related taxa, where interest is centered on traits of test plants that determine adaptation to local climatic and edaphic conditions. 2) Test comparing performance of distantly related plant taxa for special uses or planting locations, such as seaside planting, low light indoor culture, shaded or sunny outdoor locations, drought or heat tolerance, tolerance of mowing or pruning, street tree uses, ground cover uses, reduced pruning maintenance, florist pot plant uses, etc. These tests will be conducted in production nurseries under industry accepted cultural techniques following initial screening and evaluation at Research Centers. Finally, plants will be evaluated under landscape and interior conditions while being maintained under commercially accepted landscape or interiorscape standards.

Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We have developed systems to produce somatic embryos from pothos and heartleaf philodendron. We plan to use this methodology to propagate select induced mutations (from irradiation) of these plants. This technology should allow a unique opportunity to increase selected mutations rapidly and select for somaclonal variants that could also be novel plant forms. We believe that the potential for new cultivar development using this system is excellent. We continue to use flow cytometry screening methods, adapted for foliage crops, to routinely screen large populations of juvenile plants for ploidy. This eliminates the need to grow them two or more years to flowering size before evaluation can take place. We have also used flow cytometry to screen several foliage plant genera identify polyploid forms (Aglaonema, Epipremnum, Fittonia, Philodendron and Dieffenbachia). PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The MREC Foliage Plant Breeding Program is the only breeding effort in the world dedicated to foliage crops and is of significant importance to our Florida nursery industry and to consumers. A conservative estimate of the economic impact of this research, its applications and subsequent products on a worldwide basis is at least $10 million dollars during the last year.

Publications

  • Deng, M., J. Chen, R.J. Henny and Q. Li. 2010. Chromosome number and karyotype variation in Codiaeum variegatum cultivar HortScience 45:538-540.
  • Henny, R.J. and J. Chen. 2010. Scenic Bay Aglaonema. HortScience 45:1281-1282.


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Somatic Embryogenesis: MREC Breeding Program research was the first, worldwide, to produce somatic embryogenesis in Pothos. Therefore we are now able to use this technology for hybrid propagation, mutation induction and genetic engineering. Flow Cytometry: Flow cytometry screening methods had to be adapted for foliage crops and now are routinely used to screen large populations of juvenile plants for ploidy without having to grow them two or more years to flowering size. We have also used flow cytometry to screen several foliage plant genera to identify polyploid forms (Aglaonema, Epipremnum, Fittonia). Polyploidy Induction: We developed a tissue culture technique to and reliably produce polyploid plants for breeding purposes and have applied it to selections of Dieffenbachia, Anthurium, Dracaena and Spathiphyllum. Currently we are propagating large numbers of Philodendron oxycardium scandens in vitro that were treated with colchicine. We should have polyploid individuals identified in the next 6 months. Foliage Plant Selections currently being evaluated for release (20) - 4 Aglaonema hybrids - 3 Gynura mutations - 5 Epipremnum mutations - 3 Epipremnum hybrids - 5 Philodendron mutations Gibberellic Acid Studies: Growth regulator treatments are an important part of foliage breeding. Such results allow us to investigate potential differences in species' response. We are now treating selected lines of Epipremnum, Philodendron and Zamiocalcus with gibberellic acid to induce flowering for breeding. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The MREC Foliage Plant Breeding Program is the only organized breeding effort in the world on foliage crops of significant importance to our Florida nursery industry and to consumers. A conservative estimate of the economic impact of this research, its applications and subsequent products on a worldwide basis is at least $40 million dollars during the last year.

Publications

  • Henny, R.J., J. R. Holm, J. Chen and M. Scheiber. 2009. In vitro Induction of Tetraploids in Dieffenbachia x Star Bright M-1 by Colchicine. HortScience 44:646-650.
  • Henny, R.J. and J. Chen. 2009. Epipremnum aureum Pearls and Jade. HortScience 44:824-825.
  • Henny, R.J. and J. Chen. 2009. Key Lime Aglaonema. HortScience 44(6):1767,1768. 2009.
  • Henny, R.J. J., Chen and T.A. Mellich. 2009. Epipremnum Green Genie. HortScience. 44(6):1783,1784. 2009.
  • Li, Qiansheng, Min Deng, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny. 2009. Effects of Light Intensity and Paclobutrazol on Growth and Interior Performance of Pachira aquatica Aubl. HortScience. 44(5):1291-1295.


Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Six new ornamental tropical foliage plant cultivars have been submitted for release to commercial foliage plant growers. One Philodendron (heartleaf philodendron), two Epipremnum (Pothos) and three Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) cultivars have been through the evaluation process and are ready to be presented for commercial release. The Philodendron cultivar is a completely different growth form compared to the parent plant and can be grown as a small pot plant, a small hanging basket vine or grown on a totem and made to look like a small tree. It is a unique plant that can be decorated and grown as an interior Christmas tree and then kept as a house plant. The Epipremnum cultivars include a small variegated form and a medium sized green plant that is very stocky and strong. Somatic Embryogenesis: MREC Breeding Program research is the first, worldwide, to produce somatic embryogenesis in Pothos. Therefore we are now able to use this technology for hybrid propagation, mutation induction and genetic engineering. Flow Cytometry: Acquisition of a Flow Cytometer in 2005 opened a new area of investigation. Flow cytometry screening methods had to be adapted for foliage crops and now are routinely used to screen large populations of juvenile plants for ploidy without having to grow them two or more years to flowering size. We have also used flow cytometry to screen several foliage plant genera to identify polyploid forms (Aglaonema, Epipremnum, Fittonia). Polyploidy Induction: We developed a tissue culture technique to consistently and reliably produce polyploid plants for breeding purposes and have applied it to selections of Dieffenbachia, Anthurium, Dracaena and Spathiphyllum. Plant propagation through cutting production is still a major supply line for the plant industry. MREC studies with Ethrel applications to Adenium and Euphorbia to induce flower abscission and allow easier harvest of cuttings on these crops without the necessity to manually remove flowers. Foliage Plant Selections currently being evaluated for release (35) - 10 Dieffenbachia mutations - 4 Aglaonema hybrids - 5 Aglaonema mutations - 1 Gynura mutation - 4 Epipremnum mutations - 3 Epipremnum hybrids - 5 Philodendron scandens oxycardium mutations - 3 Anthurium hybrids PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The MREC Foliage Plant Breeding Program is the only organized breeding effort in the world on foliage crops of significant importance to our Florida nursery industry and to consumers. A conservative estimate of the economic impact of this research, its applications and subsequent products on a worldwide basis is at least $50 million dollars during the last year. Results from the breeding program are shared with industry through open houses, tours, field days and trial grower agreements that allow producers to test potential new cultivars. New cultivars will be licensed to Florida growers.

Publications

  • Henny, R.J. and J. Chen. T.A. Mellich, and M.S. Brennan 2008. Mondo Bay Aglaonema. HortScience 43(6):1900-1901.
  • Cui, Jin, Juanxu Liu, Min Deng, Jianjun Chen, and Richard J. Henny. 2008. Plant regeneration through protocorm-like bodies induced from node explants of Syngonium podophyllum White Butterfly. HortScience 43(6):1-5.
  • Henny, R.J. and J. Chen. 2008. Moonlight Bay Aglaonema. HortScience 43(5):1598-1599.


Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
Two new Pothos selections have been put out for trial growing. One cultivar is green with short internodes, thick heavy leaves and strong vines and an overall unique plant form. The second cultivar has small, variegated cream, gray and green leaves that are highly unusual. Both plants perform extremely well under interior conditions. A pothos hybrid is also being increased. This plant displays a uniqeus Two advance selections of Aglaonema also have been put out for trial growing. Both plants are hybrids that display good vigor, attractive foliage and a high degree of basal shoot formation. Four other Aglaonema selections are being vegetatively increased for further testing. All of these hybrids have attractive foliage, are resistant to chilling and produce several basal shoots. One Gynura selection, a mutant from irradiation, is also being asexually propagated for distribution to a trial grower. The selection is a dwarf form that may be useable in small pots or terrariums. Five mutants of heartleaf philodendron are being vegetatively increased for trial growing. These mutants range from dwarf in stature to sizes twice as large as the common commercial cultivars.

Impacts
Incorporation of new germplasm into hybrids is a key to development of new cultivars which are critical to stimulate the ornamental foliage plant markets. Hybrids are released to Florida tissue culture labs for propagation and testing with trial growers. If successful, cultivars are named, patented and officially released through the IFAS cultivar release committee. Propagated hybrids are then made available to Florida growers. The impact value can be several hundred thousand dollars per years for a successful cultivar.

Publications

  • Shen, Xiuli, Jianjun Chen, Michael E. Kane and Richard J. Henny. 2007. Assessment of somaclonal variation in Dieffenbachia plants regenerated through indirect shoot organogenesis. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult 91:21-27.
  • Fang, Junggui, Jianjun Chen, Richard J. Henny, Chih-Cheng T. Chao. 2007. Genetic relatedness of ornamental Ficus species and cultivars analyzed by amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 132(6):807-815.


Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Breeding and mutation studies are ongoing with Aglaonema, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia, Pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron and Spathiphyllum. We are currently evaluating several hundred Aglaonema hybrids for chilling tolerance, branching and growth rates. Interspecific hybrids from a cross of A nitidum Curtissii and A commutatum Treubii have been asexually increased for replicated studies of growth rate and chilling resistance. A unique appearing sterile interspecific dieffenbachia hybrid wasplaced into tissue culture for propagation and treatment with colchicine to induce a fertile tetraploid form. To date 12 plants have been identified as tetraploid using flow cytometry. They are now being grown to test for fertility. The same procedure is being used on two sterile interspecific spathiphyllum hybrids. These plants should be the breeding bridge between what we term the commercial germplasm and the species germplasm. We are also working with two other sterile interspecific spathiphyllum hybrids in the same manner so as to further expand our germplasm for breeding at the tetraploid level. These plants will allow us to work with genes for disease resistance and continuous blooming. These traits have not been available before to transfer into commercial spathiphyllum genotypes. Seven Anthurium hybrids have been asexually increased for further testing. They are being to be screened for resistance to Xanthomonas bacterial rot and growth rate. Epipremnum has also recently been incorporated into the breeding program. Selected plants are being grown on large poles and will be induced to flower for subsequent pollination studies. Previously, seed has been produced from only one Epipremnum inflorescence, which indicates that the genetic potential of this genus has not be exploited. We are researching a system to produce Epipremnum plants from leaf and petiole sections via somatic embryos. We plan to use this system to propagate several new mutants that we have developed. Our current studies will document the complete production system from the test tube to finished product.

Impacts
Incorporation of new germplasm into hybrids is a key to development of new cultivars which are critical to stimulate the ornamental foliage plant markets. Hybrids are released to Florida tissue culture labs for propagation and testing with trial growers. If successful, cultivars are named, patented and officially released through the IFAS cultivar release committee. Propagated hybrids are then made available to Florida growers. The impact value can be several hundred thousand dollars per years for a successful cultivar.

Publications

  • Chen, J., R.J. Henny, P.S. Devanand and C.T. Chao. 2006. AFLP analysis of nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllum Schott) selected from somacolonal variants. Plant Cell Reports 24:743-749.
  • Chen, J. and R.J. Henny. 2006. Somaclonal variation: an important source for cultivar development of floriculture crops. In: Floriculture, ornamental and plant biotechnology advances and topical issues: J.A. Teixeira da Silva (ed). p 244-253.
  • Henny, R.J., J. Chen and D.J. Norman. 2006. Sterling Dieffenbachia. HortScience 41(5):1.


Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
Breeding studies are ongoing with Aglaonema, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia and Spathiphyllum. We are currently evaluating several hundred Aglaonema hybrids for chilling tolerance, branching and growth rates. Interspecific hybrids from a cross of A nitidum Curtissii and A commutatum Treubii are being asexually increased for replicated studies of the inheritance of resistance to the bacteria Xanthomonas. A unique appearing sterile interspecific dieffenbachia hybrid has been placed into tissue culture for propagation and treatment with colchicine to induce a fertile tetraploid form. The same procedure is being used on an interspecific spathiphyllum hybrid. This plant should be the breeding bridge between what we term the commercial germplasm and the species germplasm. We are also working with two other sterile interspecific spathiphyllum hybrids in the same manner so as to further expand our germplasm for breeding at the tetraploid level. These plants will allow us to work with genes for disease resistance and continuous blooming. These traits have not been available before to transfer into commercial spathiphyllum genotypes. Seven Anthurium hybrids have been asexually increased for further testing. They are going to be screened for resistance to Xanthomonas bacterial rot and growth rate. Epipremnum has also recently been incorporated into the breeding program. Selected plants are being grown on large poles and will be induced to flower for subsequent pollination studies. Previously, seed has been produced from only one Epipremnum inflorescence, which indicates that the genetic potential of this genus has not be exploited. We are researching a system to produce Epipremnum plants from leaf and petiole sections via somatic embryos. We plan to use this system to propagate several new mutants that we have developed. Our current studies will document the complete production system from the test tube to finished product.

Impacts
Incorporation of new germplasm into hybrids is a key to development of new cultivars which are critical to stimulate the ornamental foliage plant markets. Hybrids are released to Florida tissue culture labs for propagation and testing with trial growers. If successful, cultivars are named, patented and officially released through the IFAS cultivar release committee. Propagated hybrids are then made available to Florida growers.

Publications

  • Chen J, McConnell DB, Henny RJ, Norman DJ. 2005. The foliage plant industry. Hort Rev 31, 45-110.
  • Zhang, Q., J. Chen and R.J. Henny. 2005. Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of leaf, petiole, and stem explants of Golden Pothos. Plant Cell Reports 23:587-595.