HYB: RE X AB

From: Sharon McAllister <73372.1745@compuserve.com>

Donald Eaves wrote:

>  I've been wanting to ask how much crossing has been done using
>  arils and arilbreds with rebloomers?  It seems to me that since
>  rebloomers require more water which keeps them actively growing
>  in order that they mature enough to bloom and arils and arilbreds
>  tend to go into dormancy which doesn't allow them to utilize too
>  much water, that crosses between the two might yield arilbreds
>  with less dormancy and more ability to handle water during the
>  summer months.  

Gus Seligmann and I made a number of crosses of this type when we were
working together back in the early 80s.   Rebloomers also have a seasonal
advantage, in that their bloom overlaps that of the arilbreds more than
does that of the "oncers".   We obtained nothing worthy of introduction
from those experiments, but that does NOT mean they aren't worth repeating.
 Perhaps a few general observations will help.

1.      In the resultant seedlings, plant characteristics are extremely
diverse.  First-year mortality is high, but some of the survivors are
indeed strong growers.

2.      Rebloomers selected as parents must be chosen for colors and
patterns, as well as plant characteristics.  At the time of our
experiments, we hadn't nailed down the criteria for compatibility with aril
flower characteristics -- if we'd used rebloomers with the right mix of
genes,  I'm confident we would have had some introductions out of that
group.

3.      The arilbreds that proved to be the best parents in this type of
cross are the ones with foliage that tends not to go dormant.  

This means that the most productive gene pool is a rather small one.   I
don't mean to discourage anyone from trying less discriminating RE X AB
crosses -- just don't want to leave any unrealistic expectations.  

<snip>

>   What I'm curious
>  about here is not necessarily a rebloomer, but a plant characteristic.
>  I'm sure some of the above has been done.  Any idea if some of the
>  results have been more durable in re their ability to withstand more
>  water?  Am I off base in my thinking?

Some may be more durable, but in my experience most are less durable.  If
you combine the prolific rate of increase of arils with the rampant growth
rate of rebloomers WITH bunchy rather than open growth habits, the result
is aptly described as 'suicidal'.  The most durable plants have open growth
habits, with rhizomes spread out enough to allow for drainage when it's too
wet and root systems spread to take advantage of any available moisture
during dry spells.  

Sharon McAllister
73372.1745@compuserve.com

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