Passiflora ‘Lamepiana’: a new F1 hybrid of Passiflora L. with potential for introduction in the ornamental plant market

A new F 1 hybrid of Passiflora L. with potential ornamental was obtained. Interspecific hybridization has shown to be a promising technique for obtaining Passiflora cultivars with peculiar characteristics for the ornamental market. In the present work, F 1 interspecific hybrids obtained from Passiflora vitifolia Kunth vs. Passiflora hatschbachii Cervi were morphologically and reproductively evaluated and the confirmation of paternity was performed using ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. The genomic DNA of the parent species and the four putative hybrids were extracted, and five ISSR primers were tested. Primer UBC811 amplified species-specific informative bands, which segregated in the hybrids, confirming hybridization. Among the four progenies, the hybrid HD26-102 denominated P assiflora 'Lamepiana' was selected due to morphological traits and had its paternity also confirmed by GISH (Genomic in situ hybridization). This technique allowed to distinguish two different chromosomal sets: one from the female parent and the other from the male parent. As a striking feature, this hybrid has intense red petals and sepals and a white red corona. The use of Alexander solution for pollen viability analysis demonstrated that P . ‘Lamepiana’ reaches viability of up to 78% in the first hours of flower opening. Tests with benzidine and hydrogen peroxide showed that the stigma of P. ‘Lamepiana’ remains viable during anthesis. The description of P . ‘Lamepiana’ based on qualitative and quantitative morphological descriptors and analyses of male and female reproductive characteristics showed that this hybrid has the potential to be introduced in the ornamental plant market as a new cultivar.