Abstract
ABSTRACT Ornamental fruit plants have a good potential for the development of innovative products for the floriculture segment, and the ornamental pineapple has attracted a strong interest in this segment. This study aimed at characterizing and selecting new ornamental pineapple hybrids for the production of cut flowers, with emphasis on stem sinuosity and a nearly black color for fruits. Twenty-three morphological descriptors were studied in 26 hybrids developed from six progenies, involving different botanical varieties. These descriptors are among those published by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture for protection of cultivars. The 26 hybrids evaluated fitted in different use categories: 5 for the production of cut flowers, 11 as potted plants, 6 for the production of mini fruits, 6 for foliage and 26 for landscaping. One hybrid with sinuous stems to produce cut flowers and 12 hybrids bearing nearly black fruits for ornamental use were selected as a novelty for the flower market.
Highlights
The market for flowers and ornamental plants is dynamic, and there is a constant search for novelty
Fruits traditionally cultivated for nutritional purposes are an alternative for ornamental use and can offer a wide range of products, including varieties for potted plants, living fences and landscaping, as well as for the production of cut flowers and mini fruits (Souza et al 2012a and 2014)
The results found in this study increase the range of traits for tropical floriculture, with potential as varieties with new features for the flower and ornamental plant market
Summary
The market for flowers and ornamental plants is dynamic, and there is a constant search for novelty. Efforts have been made in recent years to change this situation, with the emergence of genetic breeding programs aiming to develop ornamental varieties of fruit species, such as pineapple (Souza et al 2009, 2012a and 2014, Costa Junior et al 2016), banana (SantosSerejo et al 2007 and 2012, Souza et al 2012b) and citrus (Santos et al 2015 and 2016). Many of these efforts have been carried out by the Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura.
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