Re: OT: Naming of irises

Jan, I was glad to see this thread started.  I don't remember any similar
threads since I first got involved in the list.

Adding to the thoughts you, Laurie and Dave have expressed I only can think
of one particular that goes to the root of some of their ideas.

Through published names and the registry, provided accurate data is entered,
one can often trace genetic elements through many generations.  Genetics of
irises is one of my keenest interests, especially those inherited qualities
mentioned earlier such as disease resistance, vigor, character and behavior
in the out-of-bloom season appearance with clean, healthy looking foliage.

There is even some indication of borer resistance in some varieties
including the HONKY TONK BLUES to WISHFUL THINKING to FOGBOUND sequence.   A
large number of progeny from these have been named and are on the market
now.  It will be interesting to see how many of them include whatever it is
that borers find unappetizing or difficult.

The genetics of color is of particular interest.  Now with the emerging
Molecular Biology approach to genetics through the DNA/messengerRNA
sequencing responsible for the specific enzymes involved in synthesis and
concentration of pigments all sorts of things become possible that have not
been seen before.

Through this kind of approach we may see blue carnations and roses along
with red-red-red irises.  Tweaking just one enzyme in the synthesis of the
"blue" pigment of iris, for example, can block the diversion of the pigment
sequence leading to our familiar Delphinin or Violanin, and allow the track
to continue on to the basic, central Pelargonidins found in brilliant red
Geraniums.  Just one enzyme!

The trouble is, introducing this enzyme into carnations has shifted the
color from red only to a reddish violet.  There's more to color than the
pigment itself, it seems......Hmmmmm.  I see a Bulletin article coming out
of this.

Neil Mogensen  z 7  Reg 4  western NC mountains

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