ADAPTIVE POTENTIAL AND DECORATIVNESS OF BEARDED IRIS COLLECTIBLE VARIETIES IN THE INTRODUCTION TO THE CHERNOZEM ZONE

Abstract

In the conditions of the Tambov region, the gene pool of the bearded iris of domestic and foreign breeding is studied. The collection of bearded iris is represented by varieties ('Snow White', 'Border Black', 'Guards', 'Count Tolstoy', 'Ancient Rome', etc.) of medium and late ('Cascade Springs', 'Green Quest', 'Gypsy Caravan', 'Spurna') flowering period. The duration of flowering of the studied varieties is from 7 to 11 days. The longest flowering period (10–11 days) is observed in varieties: 'Snow White', 'Guards', 'Count Tolstoy', 'Marshal Pokryshkin' and 'Gypsy Caravan'. The main disease of the bearded iris in the black earth region is rust (Puccinia iridis), the main pest is the bronze beetle (Cetonia aurata). Varieties with high decorative features with the largest flower diameter (up to 12.5 cm) and peduncle height (up to 90 cm) have been identified: 'Ancient Rome', 'Lilac Wreath', 'Cascade Springs', 'Gypsy Jewels', 'Stepping Out'. Varieties of bearded iris with a light color of the flower (from white to pale blue), severely damaged by a bronze beetle, were noted: 'Snow White' (pale blue), 'Belyanchik' (white), 'Kassandra' (white), etc. The most severe rust damage was observed on varieties of bearded iris with yellow flowers and its shades: 'Galatea' (bright yellow), 'Elf' (yellow-brown), 'Fiesta Time' (golden-amber), 'Invitation' (apricot). Recommendations are given for the introduction of the bearded iris culture in the landscaping of settlements and personal subsidiary farms.