Selection and use recommendation in hybrids of ornamental pineapple

Abstract

-The use of pineapples as ornamental plants has increased in the last years due to their beauty and originality, demanding the generation of new varieties. The objective of the present work was to study the genetic variability and type of use of hybrids as ornamental pineapples, besides evaluating the resistance of these hybrids to Fusarium wilt. Six progenies, FRF-22 X FRF-1387, FRF-1392 X FRF-32, Curauá Roxo X Ananás Tricolor, G-44 X FRF-1387, FRF-1392 X FRF-224 and FRF-1387 X FRF-224, were evaluated by eleven morphological descriptors, and five categories of use were taken into account: landscaping plants, cut flower, potted plants, minifruits and foliage. High variability within and between progenies was detected, which allowed the selection of 16 hybrids as cut flowers, 17 as landscaping plants, four as minifruits, two as potted plants and just three as foliage. Fourteen of them were recorded for more than one type of use. For resistance to the Fusarium, out of the 31 hybrids evaluated, 11 presented resistance, 17 were moderately resistant and three were susceptible.Key words: Ananas sp.. Hybridization. Morphological descriptors. Ornamental fruit crops. Phytosanitary RESUMO -O uso do abacaxi como planta ornamental vem se intensificando nos últimos anos, por sua beleza e originalidade e é crescente a demanda por novas variedades. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar a variabilidade genética em progênies de abacaxi ornamental, identificando as formas de uso e a resistência à fusariose dos híbridos selecionados. Foram aplicados onze descritores morfológicos em seis progênies: FRF-22 X FRF-1387, FRF-1392 X FRF-32, Curauá Roxo X Ananás Tricolor, G-44 X FRF-1387, FRF-1392 X FRF-224 e FRF-1387 X FRF-224, sendo os híbridos enquadrados nas categorias de paisagismo, corte, vaso, minifrutos e folhagens e cerca-viva. Em paralelo foi estudado a resistência a fusariose dos híbridos selecionados. Foi verificada grande variabilidade entre e dentro das progênies, permitindo selecionar 16 híbridos para flor de corte, 17 para paisagismo, quatro para minifrutos, dois para vasos e apenas três para folhagem, sendo 14 com mais de uma forma de uso. Dos 31 híbridos avaliados para a fusariose, 11 apresentaram resistência, 17 moderadamente resistente e três suscetíveis.Palavras-chave: Ananas sp.. Hibridação. Descritores morfológicos. Fruticultura ornamental. Fitossanidade.

<b>Clonal evaluation of new ornamental pineapple hybrids to use as cut flowers

“…The physiological stages analyzed were: induction/ emergence of floral buds; induction / first flower opening; planting/ emergence of floral buds; emergence of floral buds / last flower closing; first flower opening/ last flower closing; induction / last flower closing; and planting/ last flower closing. The last flower closing was selected because it is the current harvest point for ornamental pineapples due to enhanced syncarp colors and full fruit formation (Souza et al, 2014) Thirty quantitative and qualitative morphological descriptors developed by the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (International Board for Plant Genetic Resources [IBPGR], 1991) were applied and used for clonal evaluation.…”

“…In addition, the Brazilian climate and soil are favorable for large-scale flower production, especially of native species (Lima & Ferraz, 2008). The market for ornamental pineapple plants as a high-value floricultural product has been growing (Brainer & Oliveira, 2007 pineapple has been used increasingly in recent years due to its exotic appearance, especially its pleasing colors, as well as long postharvest life (Sanewski, 2009;Souza et al, 2009;2012;Souza, Costa, Santos-Serejo, & Souza, 2014). In addition, the small fruit at the tip of the stem forms a unique and original product.…”

“…This company started genetic pre-breeding actions in 2003, aiming to identify and characterize accessions with ornamental potential to be used as parents in a controlled hybridization program (Souza et al, 2007;2009;2012). Some hybrids were subsequently obtained and have the potential to be selected as cut flowers and potted plants (Souza et al, 2014).…”

Characterization and selection of ornamental pineapple hybrids with emphasis on sinuous stems and black fruits1

“…This work has involved the prospection of ornamental genotypes in germplasm banks and directed hybridization, in search of new varieties with traits of interest in the flower and ornamental plant market, in various niches. Among these are the traditional ones of cut flowers, potted plants and landscaping, as well as the development of a totally new product line of ornamental plants bearing mini fruits (Souza et al 2009, 2012a, 2012band 2014, Santos et al 2015. A new selection process to develop pineapple genotypes bearing nearly black fruits and/or sinuous stems may open new market perspectives in Brazil and abroad.…”

“…Among the characteristics traditionally demanded in the European market are straight stems, with average length of 40 cm and no deformation (Souza et al 2014). However, recent observations and surveys at international trade fairs and other events indicate that there is a good acceptance and even a preference among professionals (floral designers and landscapers), as well as consumers, for curvy stems.…”