Effect of Zinnia angustifolia HBK genotype on morphology and flowering of Z. angustifolia x Z. elegans Jacq. hybrids

Interspecific hybrids were generated from crosses between 4 Zinnia angustifolia clones (maternal parents) and an inbred line of Z. elegans 'Orange King' (paternal parent) to investigate the influence of Z. angustifolia genotype on morphology and flowering of hybrids. Leaf length, leaf width, flower diameter, number of ray petals, and days to flowering of interspecific hybrids were significantly influenced by Z. angustifolia clonal genotype. Genetic analysis of hybrid morphology and development was performed using 2 parental Z. angustifolia clones and 18 F sub(1) progenies (9 seedlings from each of 2 populations generated from reciprocal crosses between parental clones) as maternal parents in crosses with Z). elegans) 'Orange King'.