New Genotypes of Hibiscus x rosa-sinensis through Classical Breeding and Genetic Transformation

Since 2006, a breeding programme for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was established at CRA-FSO, Italy. The aim is to select specific cultivars suitable for pot plant production and well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate. A partial diallelic cross design (reciprocals without self-fecundations) was used to test crossing ability of the collected cultivars. However, only a limited number of cross combinations resulted in progenies with desirable characters. The first selected cultivars are presented.