Breeding behavior and chromosome numbers among New Guinea and Java Impatiens species, cultivated varieties, and their interspecific hybrids

Abstract

Impatiens crosses were made among the following: P.I. 349629 (Java), P.I. 349586 (New Guinea), I. Itolstii, and "Tangerine." All crosses were successful except those made with I. Itolstii. Chromosome counts were as follows: P.I. 349629 = 16, P.I. 349586 = 32, I. Itolstii = 16, and "Tangerine" = 8. Chromosome counts of the hybrids were midway between the respective parents. Cytological studies indicated a similarity in chromosome morphology and size among all parents except I. holslii. A new genome count of 4 is reported for the genus Impatiens indicating a ploidy series in which x = 4.