Impatiens walleriana: perspectivas para el mejoramiento genético

Impatiens walleriana is a plant of the Balsaminaceae family with high ornamental value. It presents very attractive flowers, which can be found in different shapes and colors, due to which, it is part of many gardens worldwide. Genetic improvement in this specie has usually been carried out by conventional methods, however, the advancement of technology has made possible the use of a large number of biotechnological and molecular tools. The objective of this review is to consolidate the bases for a genetic improvement program of I. walleriana. This review covers different aspects that are basic to incur in the genetic improvement of this species; these factors are floral morphology, pollination, karyotyping and studies of genetic variability. In addition, what is known to date about studies focused on genes involved in drought stress processes, tolerance to Plasmopara obducens and floral longevity is presented.