HIBISCUS BREEDING IN THE PHILIPPINES: A THRIVING SECTOR IN THE FLOWER INDUSTRY

PABLITO M. MAGDALITA, Ph D Associate Professor II & UP Scientist I Project Leader-Hibiscus Breeding

Institute of Plant Breeding & Crop Science Cluster College of Agriculture University of the Philippines Los Baos College, Laguna

Brief History of Ornamental Plant Breeding in the Philippines

early 1920s breeding of Hibiscus by Dr. Nemesio B. Mendiola (); results published from 1922 to 1931 1926 publication of a book A Manual of Plant Breeding for the Tropics by Dr. Mendiola 1948 initiation of breeding at UPLB on Mussaenda by Dr. Dioscoro L. Umali () and his wife, Zenaida

 1979 Anthurium hybridization by Dr. Teresita L. Rosario at UPLB 1984 breeding works on Aglaonema by Dr. Romeo G. Gutierrez, a surgeon; currently being revived by himself 1994 Hibiscus Breeding Program by Mr. Reynold B. Pimentel at IPB, then continued by Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita in 2002 up to the present.

Hibiscus Breeding and Selection

The Philippines is considered as a global biodiversity hotspot. There are an estimated 13,500 plant species, of which 8,000 are flowering plants and about 3,200 (40%) endemic and the rest are introduced into the country like the gumamela botanically known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

 one of the most widely cultivated flowering plants in the tropics very easy to propagate and not exacting in its requirements for growth and flowering attractive flowers are short-lived but continuously produced throughout the year used as potted plant, fence or hedge plant and landscape shrub

The

current boom in real estate development occurring around the country and the need for ornamentals for greening (green roof, green building, green wall), landscaping and environmental sustainability is an encouraging sign of bright years for the ornamental industry like the hibiscus. Further, the value of ornamental hibiscus for climate change adaptation such as those that can stand less water, and those for health and wellness like roselle (Hibiscus sabradiffa) that are high in antioxidant is well recognized.

diversity in the hibiscus germplasm could be exploited by breeders for developing novel varieties either for pot plant production or landscaping purposes. It is so interesting that a change in one character especially flower color or form already makes a variety unique.

The

In hibiscus, this is generally achievable using conventional hybridization, and selection followed by propagation. Regardless of the technique used to develop an ornamental variety, the attractiveness of color and form is of prime requirement of a good variety.

The objectives of the hibiscus breeding program are to:

a) Hybridize local cultivars with foreign varieties, b) Select new hybrids with unique flower colors and form and leaf shapes, c) Characterize, register to NSIC and release as a variety

Hybrid Fruit

Hybridization

Hybrid seedlings

Hybrid Seeds

Hibiscus hybrid seedlings generated 2006

Centennial Series 11 hybrids that

were named after the Filipino heroines of the 1898 Philippine Revolution. They struggled and worked for the freedom and liberation of the country against three centuries of Spanish colonization and four decades of American rule. Released in 1998 coinciding with the centennial celebration of the Philippine Independence.

Gabriela Tandang Sora

Marcela

Lolay

Oryang

Ningning

Nay Isa

Goria

Nazaria

Agueda

Sentenarya

Millennium Series 7 hybrids who were

named after UPLB women scientists who helped advanced Philippine agriculture. Released in 2000 to mark the coming of the new millennium. Women in Science Series - 3 hybrids who were named after outstanding women scientists that were elected to the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) as Academicians and National Scientists.

Obdulia F. Sison

Millenia

Helen L. Valmayor

 Celebrity Star Series 5 hybrids who were named after veteran and accomplished actresses in the Philippine entertainment world. Released in 2002 to honor famous actresses.

Star for All Seasons Superstar

Megastar Novastar

Novastar

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 Oblation Series 6 hybrids who were named after outstanding UP alumnae who have assumed the highest position in the academic, scientific and professional institutions and organizations where they served. Released from 2006-2008 to culminate the celebration of the UP Centenary.

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 Women in Public Service Series 11 hybrids named after women who devoted their time and energy to public service and possess the spirit of volunteerism to meet the needs of others before their own without material or financial rewards. Released starting 2009 to the present to commemorate the UPLB Centennial Year

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Ma. Rosario O. Montejo

Sylvia P. Lina

Connie S. Angeles

Arlene B. Arcillas

Women in Public Service Series

Araceli L. Dans

Women in the Arts Series

(named after outstanding Filipina artists

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UPCOMING HYBRIDS

Kristie Kenney

Gelia Castillo

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Gelia Castillo Hibiscus rosa-sinensis St. Bridgette College

Kristie Kenney

Tahitian taui

Loren Legarda

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Tahitian taui X Loren Legarda Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Ateneo de Manila University

Tahitian taui X Loren Legarda Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Ateneo de Manila University

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Loren Legarda

Tarantella

Industry Partnerships on Hybrids Mass Propagation

Franchising with Vics Orchids & Ornamentals Partnerships with Private & Public Institutions (Las Pias City Government-Ms Cynthia A. Villar, St. Bridget College, Sta Rosa City Government Mass Propagation done by the National Seed Foundation

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Two-days old Bloom Varieties in the Pipeline (To be developed into cutflower)

Loren Legarda

Tahitian Dragon

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Loren Legarda

Tahitian Dragon

Accession 18

Dolores Ramirez

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Accession 18 x Dolores Ramirez

Nazaria

Loren Legarda

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Nazaria

Loren Legarda

Lolay

Gelia Castillo

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Lolay

Gelia Castillo

Loren Legarda

Mega Star

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Loren Legarda X

Mega Star

Loren Legarda

Estrella F. Alabastro

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PABLITO M. MAGDALITA , Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) 2000 and REYNOLD B. PIMENTEL Authors DOLORES A. RAMIREZ and
RENELLE PAMATMAT Editors

Acknowledgments
Funding Support: Las Pias City Government Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco, UPLB National Academy of Science & Technology (NAST)
National Scientist Dolores A. Ramirez Academician Emil Q. Javier Academician Ruben L. Villareal Dean Domingo Angeles, CA-UPLB Director Jose E. Hernandez, CSC-IPB Gumamela Breeding Staff (Fe Cayaban, Lino Gregorio, and Jess Silverio) and other IPB Mr. Fernando B. Aurigue, PNRI

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MARAMING SALAMAT PO MABUHAY!

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Perla SantosOcampo

Ma. Rosario Montejo

Loren Legarda

Bangkok Hybrid

DR

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Bangkok Hybrid x DR

Loren Legarda

Mega Star

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Loren Legarda x Mega Star

Perla SantosOcampo

Mercedes Concepcion

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Perla Santos-Ocampo

Mercedes Concepcion

Kristie Kenney

Gelia Castillo

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Kristie Kenney

Gelia Castillo

Kristie Kenney

Gelia Castillo

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Kristie Kenney X

Gelia Castillo

Kristie Kenney

Gelia Castillo

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Kristie Kenney X

Gelia Castillo

Kristie Kenney

Gelia Castillo

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Kristie Kenney

Gelia Castillo

Perla SantosOcampo

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Marilyn D. Maraon

Loren Legarda

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Perla Santos-Ocampo

X Loren Legarda

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Marilyn D. Maraon

Marcela

Tangerine Orange

Hibiscus rosasinensis Fe V. Del Mundo

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Marcela X Tangerine Orange Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Fe Del Mundo

Loren Legarda

Nazaria

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Nazaria

Loren Legarda

Bangkok Hybrid

Gelia Castillo

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Bangkok Hybrid

Gelia Castillo

Loren Legarda

Tahitian taui

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Loren Legarda

Tahitian taui

Nazaria

Gelia Castillo

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Nazaria X Gelia Castillo

Tangerine Orange

X
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Cynthia A. Villar

Loren Legarda

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Perla SantosOcampo

Ma. Rosario Montejo

Loren Legarda

Che-che Lazaro

Nazaria

Loren B. Legarda

Sylvia Lina

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Nazaria

Arlene B. Arcillas
Loren B. Legarda

Loren B. Legarda

Megastar

Araceli Dans

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Tangerine Orange

Loren B. Legarda

Connie Angeles

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