Inter-Varietal Hybridization in Nerium oleander L.: Assessment of Reproductive Performance, Seed Viability, and Germination Potential
Udaya T. V *
Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, COH, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Pavan Kumar P
Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, COH, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Balaji S. Kulkarni
Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, COH, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Bapuraygouda Patil
Department of Seed Technology, Seed Unit, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Itigi Prabhakar
Department of Social and Allied Sciences, College of Horticulture, UHS Campus, GKVK Post, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Mohammed Abdul Waseem
Department of Horticulture Entomology, Directorate of Extension, UHS, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Inter-varietal hybridization is an effective approach to improve ornamental and commercial traits in Nerium oleander L., an evergreen shrub of significant horticultural and medicinal importance. The present study evaluated 16 inter-varietal crosses for pod set, pod drop, seed viability, and germination potential to identify superior parental combinations. Pod set varied widely, with the highest recorded in UHSBN-4 × UHSBN-3 (67.39%) and UHSBN-26 × UHSBN-28 (66.67%), indicating high cross-compatibility. Seed viability ranged from 0.0% in incompatible crosses to 71.0% in UHSBN-24 × UHSBN-12, while germination rates varied from 0.0% to 68.0%, reflecting genetic and physiological barriers in certain combinations. The study highlights UHSBN-24 × UHSBN-12, UHSBN-8 × UHSBN-19, and UHSBN-26 × UHSBN-28 as promising hybrids for ornamental and commercial cultivation. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding strategies aimed at improving Nerium quality and productivity.
Keywords: Nerium oleander, inter-varietal hybridization, pod set, seed viability, germination, ornamental breeding