Commercial-biological estimation of the <i>Paeonia lactiflora</i> Pall. variety from the genetic collection of the Orenburg branch of the Federal Horticultural Research Centre for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery

Abstract

Peony lactiflorous (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) is one of the most common ornamental plants in commercial and amateur horticulture. The popularity of this species is explained by its adaptability to low temperatures in winter, high decorative value and the possibility of obtaining new sustainable varieties. This article presents data on 12 promising peony lactiflorous introduced varieties of the ornamental plant genetic collection of the Orenburg branch of the Federal Horticultural Research Centre for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (FRC of Horticulture) (Akron, Albert Crousse, Betty Groff, Madame Emile Lemoine, Madame de Verneville, Maestro, Ruth Clay, Sarah Bernhardt, Tulagi, Valencia, Waikik, Cruiser Aurora). The research was performed in 2018–2020 using conventional methods. To evaluate the influence of the genotype and climatic factors on the real seed production, the data were statistically processed, including a two-way analysis of variance. Upon evaluating the decorativeness, commercial-biological characteristics, introduced stability, it was established that these varieties are suitable for landscape gardening in the Orenburg region. Considering the set of metrics (high decorative value, phenological resistance, introduced prospects, commercial-biological value, varietal features), the Madame Emile Lemoine (double-flowered shape, diameter of 17 cm) and Akron (Japanese flower shape, diameter of 16 cm) varieties offer the combination of the most favourable characteristics for the steppe zone of the South Urals owing to their distinct flower scent, folious shoots, abundant flowering lasting for 13 days and over 3 flowers in the flower spike. The above varieties are characterised by the greatest real seed production (1,727.33±91.8 and 1,767.56±90.8 seeds/bush, respectively), high decorative value, stable phenophase, adaptivity to the sharply continental climate. Thus, further breeding work is recommended. The described peony lactiflorous varieties are promising and recommended for landscape gardening.