Interspecific and intergeneric hybridization in the Melastomaceae and Fabaceae

Abstract

Interspecific and intergeneric crosses were made between species in the families Melastomaceae and Fabaceae in an attempt to produce hybrids that might be of ornamental value. Species from the genera Dissotis and Tibouchina in the Melastomaceae family were used as parents. In the Fabaceae family, species from Baptisia and Thermopsis were used as parents. Crosses between the Melastomaceae species resulted in low seed set with poor germination rate. Only 31 putative hybrids were obtained from 1,036 pollinations. Crosses between the Fabaceae species resulted in a similar rate of seed set as the Melastomaceae crosses, but germination rate was much higher. From the 2,544 pollinations made, 3,783 putative hybrid seedlings were obtained; 245 seedlings were kept for evaluation and future breeding. The Fabaceae project should be continued as production of both intergeneric and interspecific hybrids is feasible. The Melastomaceae project is not a viable breeding project.