HYB: Breeding Red Iris

I had communication with Dr. Dan Mechenstock several times in the past half
year, and now have a copy of his new book, "Breeding Red Irises, The
Carotenoids".   The book isn't just about breeding red irises, it's about
all color genetics in irises.    He's given me permission to talk about his
book, and I certainly recommend it for hybridizers or anyone interested in
knowing more about color genetics in irises.



Dr. Meckenstock says in his preface and introduction in his book "Iris
flower color depends on two biochemical pathways--the carotenoid pathway and
the flovonoid/anthocyanin pathway.  The carotenoid pathway synthesizes
carotenoid and xanthophylls pigments that impart white, cream, pink, orange,
yellow and (red) colors to iris flowers, and the flavonoid/anthocyanin
pathway produces colorless flavonoids and colored anthocyanidins responsible
for pink, red, lavender, blue,violet, and purple flowers. . Each pathway
synthesizes a unique series of chemically related compounds.  Mutations that
block the pathway determine which pigments accumulate and subsequently which
color of the rainbow we see. . Because the carotenoid and anthocynanin
pathways are as separate as water and oil, it behooves breeders to have a
working knowledge of the medium they are painting with ."



Other introductory comments Dan makes are "Although many carotenoid pigments
have genes that do not exist in Iris sp., some red pigments lack just one
dominant gene from being expressed in irises.  We are close but yet far in
developing a bearded red iris.  We may not have the flower in hand, but
science has given us an understanding of how to solve the problem and that
is what this book is about."  He continues with "As evidenced by red beards,
it is my proposition that the genes for producing a flower with equally red
standards and falls exists within the iris population; it is just a matter
of fixing them homozygous in the right genotype."



In a later chapter in the book Dan discusses "Somatic Mutations"
(spontaneous mutations occurring in somatic cells) and "Jumping Genes"
(transposons or transposable elements) and much more about related genetic
systems.  Dan's book is fascinating, filled with genetic diagrams and color
photos.   Dan was a research scientist with the Dept. of Soil & Crop
Sciences, Texas A&M University, and naturally, is an iris hobby breeder.



A web site about his book can be found at www.rediris.us.   I now have one
book  from which I will learn something new every time I read it, and every
spring before I make a few attempts in crossing irises, this book will
likely be read again and again before I head to the garden.



Kitty Loberg

Northern Calif.



> There is a book about breeding red irises by Dan H. Meckenstock. Anybody
> know of a source?
>
>
>
> Fred  Kerr
> Rainbow Acres

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