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maineman_gw

Breeding triploid zinnias

maineman
17 years ago

Hi all,

I have planted some of the usual diploid zinnias (Burpeanna, Burpee hybrids, Whirligig, Scabiosa flowered, etc) and some tetraploid State Fair zinnias. I would like to cross the diploids and tetraploids to get some triploid seeds, which hopefully would grow plants that were sterile and not need deadheading. Any hints on how to do this successfully? I have had some experience breeding diploid zinnias, so I know about the mechanics of pollen transfer.

In particular, should I use any kind of hormone to make the female stigma more receptive? And is it better for the female plant to be the tetraploid or the diploid?

MM

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