Faculty contact: Mark Bridgen
Ornamental plant breeding and propagation research focuses on developing new plants through a variety of techniques, including:
- Plant cell and tissue culture
- Somaclonal and gametoclonal variation
- Embryo culture
- Somatic embryogenesis
- Mutation breeding
- Meristem culture
- In vitro mutation techniques
Recent research projects include breeding and propagation of Alstroemeria and other Chilean geophytes. Seeds, bulbs, corms, and other propagules of several species have been collected in Chile since 1987 for this research. We've developed a breeding plan for these species for the purpose of making interspecific, intraspecific, and intergeneric hybrids.
The techniques above are incorporated into the breeding program to circumvent incompatibilities and to elicit novel changes. As we develop new hybrids and cultivars we also develop production protocols for them to prepare them for introduction into the commercial market. They may be used as potted plants, cut flower crops, or herbaceous garden plants. Geophytic species such as Rhodophiala, Conanthera, Leucocoryne, Zephyra, and others are being used for this research.