SELECTION OF SMALL-FLOWERED CHRYSANTHEMUM IN THE STAVROPOL BOTANICAL GARDEN

Abstract

Chrysanthemum, due to its high decorativeness, great variety diverseness, easy in
pullulating, versatility of use, bright and long flowering in the autumn period, is very popular
and in demand in decorative gardening. Out of the 50 major crops grown in world
floriculture, small-flowered chrysanthemum takes the second place after roses. Cultural
varieties of garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x hybrid Hort.) are perennial beautifully
flowering semi-lignified herbaceous plants with an annually dying aerial part, 25-150 cm
high. The collection fund of the small-flowered chrysanthemum varieties in the Stavropol
Botanical Garden is represented by 60 varieties, two species, and 55 hybrid samples. The
classic selection method is individual selection, which is based on free pollination. Selection
in the Stavropol Botanical Garden is aimed at obtaining decorative varieties of small-flowered
chrysanthemum with early flowering for low-growing borders. From a large amount of seed
material, the most decorative ones corresponding to this model were selected. Three hybrid
samples were studied: 12/11, 25/10, 19/09a. Phenological observations were carried out,
decorativeness and economic and biological indices were evaluated. All three can be used for
solitaire plantings and mix borders. High environmental plasticity and integrated resistance to
diseases and pests allow them to be included in the landscaping assortment of the region.
They prefer sunny places, protected from winds, fertile air-moisture-permeable soils, and
react the application the phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. In dry weather they require
watering. They can be recommended in the State Register of selection achievements approved
for use in the southern regions of the Russian Federation.