Diversity Induction in Flower Color of Iris germanica Through Hybridization

One of the most attractive features in the selection of ornamental plants by the consumers is the flower color. This research was performed to create and introduce new iris varieties through hybridization of German irises and one Iranian wild species (Iris spuria). The research was conducted in the Ornamental Plants Research Center (OPRC) from 2011 to 2014.The economic aspects of ornamental plants and one of the main objectives of the breeding program in ornamental plants is variation in flower color. In the present research the flower color was analyzed using digital imaging software testing with the Color tester. The results showed that the flower color of the new hybrids were different to their parents and were more superior (50%) than them. Results of the data grouping separated, 38 new hybrids and 8 parents into four groups, which were mustard, purple, purple violet and white. The maximum number of progenies with purple flower color were obtained from brown × blue and also lilac × dark violet hybridization. Purple progenies were obtained from dark purple and light purple and violets offsprings (100%) were attained from I. spuria × brown varieties. The highest rates of changes were observed in the mustard, purple, violet, light purple and white in the crosses of yellow × brown and dark purple × white. The progenies of the brown × I. spuria were all dark purple. This research has been carried out for the first time in the country and as it could be used to strengthen the varieties of iris germplasm in the country it could also supply the needs of the market.