GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF GERANIUM Pelargonium graveolens L’Hérit. Ait. PLANT

Abstract

This study was carried out at Horticulture Research Institute (HRI), Agriculture Research center (ARC), Giza-Egypt and the Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Egypt, during the period from 2015 to 2018. The Egyptian cultivar El Qanater El khayria 8 (Pelargonium graveolens L'Herit, Ait.) was tested and improved in this study. The main objectives were 1- Study and evaluate in vitro regeneration of the Egyptian Geranium cultivar. 2- Induce somaclonal variation via callus using leaf explants. 3- Acclimatization and transfer the obtained calliclones to the open field. 4- Evaluate the growth and the essential oil traits of the new Geranium clones in the open field for two successive seasons.