Breeding in Hibiscus: A review

Abstract

Among the 300 Hibiscus species, the most popular ornamental species is H. rosa-sinensis, used both as an indoor and outdoor potted and landscape plant. A variety of forms, flower colours, and growth forms exist. This species is a complex hybrid arising from several Hibiscus species, viz. H. liliflorus, H. kokio, H. storckii, H. denisonii, H. fragilis, H. boryanus and H. arnottianus. Knowledge of genetic diversity and its response to natural/ human selectionthrough hybridization is necessary for future breeding plan. All the present day colourful varieties of Hibiscus rosa-sinesis were developed through complex interspecific crosses, open pollination, indiscriminate intervarietal hybridization, spontaneous and induced mutation. There is no record of total hibiscus varieties developed through conventional breeding in different countries. Present article will provide maximum information generated in India and abroad on classical and mutation breeding on hibiscus along with important publications in hibiscus by other research institutions/universities. Little genetic information and trait heritability has been established for this crop, plant breeding continues to produce new variants for commercial production. Future breeding and genetic studies are needed to further transform this crop.