Selection of phlox (Phlox paniculata) in the Siberian Botanical Garden, Tomsk State University

Abstract

Phlox breeding in the Siberian Botanical Garden of Tomsk State University was started in 1949, after a 50-year break it was resumed in 2005. The purpose of the selection study of Phlox paniculata in the Siberian Botanical Garden of Tomsk State University is to obtain new highly decorative varieties that are resistant to the conditions of the subzone of the southern taiga of Western Siberia. The production of hybrids has a significant scientific basis and is the result of many years of studying reproductive biology, ornamental characteristics and resistance of varieties. To obtain hybrids in the Siberian Botanical Garden, directional crossing of varieties, obtaining seedlings from seeds with free pollination for collections and in a limited group of varieties, and selecting «random» seedlings are used. With directed pollination of varieties, the fruit set ranged from 15 to 69 %, the percentage of fruit set increases when pollinated with a mixture of three varieties. A partial transfer of decorative traits from parent varieties was established, however, the high variability of the transferred characteristics does not allow us to identify clear patterns at this stage of the study. Phlox hybrids bred in the Siberian Botanical Garden are first of all selected for resistance to diseases and abiotic conditions of the Siberian region, then for decorative qualities. The article contains a description of six hybrids obtained in the Siberian Botanical Garden, promising for registration as new varieties.