Intergeneric hybrid between Chrysanthemum × morifolium and Artemisia japonica achieved via embryo rescue shows salt tolerance

Using embryo rescue, we generated an intergeneric hybrid between Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Maoyan’ and Artemisia japonica Thunb. Cytological tests confirmed that regenerated plantlets were all genuine hybrids possessing 45 chromosomes, with 27 chromosomes inherited from C. × morifolium (2 n = 6 x = 54) and the other 18 derived from A. japonica (2 n = 4 x = 36). Hybrid plant flowered normally. The shape and color of the hybrid flowers and leaves resembled those of chrysanthemum, while leaf width, leaf length, plant height, and inflorescence diameter were intermediate between those of the parents. Hybrid plant had higher levels of chlorophyll and free proline, and lower concentrations of malondialdehyde and Na + , than the maternal parent ( C. × morifolium ), and these levels were correlated with the hybrid’s enhanced salt tolerance. These results clearly demonstrate that intergeneric hybridization is an effective method of cultivar improvement in chrysanthemum.