Comprehensive evaluation of zonal pelargonium varieties (Pelargonium × hortorum) of the Deacon subgroup

Abstract

Zonal or hybrid pelargonium is a highly ornamental plant with beautiful flowers. There is a high commercial demand for varieties and hybrids both in urban landscaping and in private gardening. The morphological traits of three zonal pelargonium and three interspecific hybrids were examined and evaluated based on the results of complex studies. An original scale for evaluating zonal pelargonium of introduced varieties is used in the complex evaluation. The developed scale includes morphological traits such as flowering productivity, flowering duration, flowering intensity, the number of peduncles per plant and the number of flowers on one peduncle. Based on the findings, the most important indices to evaluate plant ornamental value were identified. As a result, a rating of the prospects of pelargonium varieties of the Deacon zonal subgroup was formed. Based on the results of observations and comprehensive evaluation, the variety Deacon Moonlight scored the maximum number of points - 147, with a double flower of lilac-pink color, in the shape of a rose, and the variety Deacon Arlon - 147 points with large semi-double snow-white flowers. The hybrid Lara Alf scored 143 points, with large bright red flowers; the score was reduced for the height and strength of the peduncles. Reduced points for the variety Deacon Mandarin and the hybrid Lara Susanne were due to the number of petals, color and shape of the leaves; the total score was 142. Lara Delight has 140 points; the lower points were due to the shape of the flower and the edge of the petal, the number of petals, and the color of the leaves. All varieties are promising ones for production purposes and breeding work.