Phenotypic performance of six interspecific carnation genotypes obtained from hybridization of Dianthus caryophyllus "Liberty" x Dianthus chinensis "SK 11-1"

Interspecific hybridization can be an effective strategy in ornamental plant breeding. Interspecific hybridization in the genus Dianthus is relatively easy to do. Therefore, the introduction of good character carriers from other Dianthus species into carnations will give prospect. The objective of this study was to produce new type interspecific carnation genotypes. The experiment was conducted at the Indonesian Ornamental Crops Research Institute experiment station in Cipanas – Cianjur, from November 2014 – July 2015. The experiment was conducted with an experimental method using randomized block design (RBD). The treatment consisted of six genotypes of interspecific carnation, female parent "Liberty" and male parent "SK 11-1" with four replications. The result showed that the flower color of the purplish red and red interspecific genotypes was different from the female parent yellow-flowered. The character of flower type, petal edges and leaf texture of the six progeny genotypes resemble male parent, while the flower shape character of the six interspecific carnation genotypes resemble female parent. Genotype D1 had a combination of the character of plant height, stem diameter and diameter of the appropriate flower as carnations of cut flowers, while genotype D5 had the character of plant height, the number of flowers blooming at one time, the diameter of the flower, the freshness of the flower suitable as garden carnations or pots.