Plant Breeding: Creating New Plants for Our Gardens
What is Plant Breeding?
Plant breeding is the process of creating new plants by selecting and crossing different varieties. Humans have been breeding plants for thousands of years to create new varieties with desired traits, such as larger flowers, sweeter fruits, or disease resistance.
Ornamental Plant Breeding
Ornamental plant breeding focuses on creating new plants that are visually appealing for gardens and landscapes. Breeders consider factors such as flower size, color, and shape, as well as plant size and growth habit.
Novelty and Beauty
One of the main drivers of ornamental plant breeding is novelty. Breeders strive to create unique and eye-catching plants that stand out from the crowd. They may introduce new colors, patterns, or growth forms. Beauty is also important, as breeders aim to create plants that are pleasing to the eye and enhance the aesthetics of gardens.
Other Factors
In addition to novelty and beauty, other factors can influence ornamental plant breeding. These include:
- Long flowering: Breeders aim to create plants that bloom for extended periods, providing continuous color in gardens.
- Disease resistance: Plants that are resistant to common diseases are more likely to thrive and stay healthy in gardens.
- Scale: Growers are interested in producing plants that are smaller in size, allowing for more plants to be shipped and sold.
The Future of Plant Breeding
Plant breeding is an ongoing process, and breeders are constantly working to create new and improved varieties. As technology advances, new techniques and tools are emerging that allow breeders to create plants with even more desirable traits. The future of plant breeding is bright, with the potential for even more beautiful, resilient, and sustainable plants for our gardens.
