Intergeneric hybrids between Anemone coronaria L. and Ranunculus asiaticus L.

Anemone coronaria L. and Ranunculus asiatiacus L. are common cut flowers which belong to the Ranunculaceae. These species have distinct and complementary characteristics. Therefore intergeneric crossings between these species might result in new interesting hybrids. Crosses between these genera were performed and reproductive barriers were examined. Despite the pre-zygotic barriers, a limited number of fruitlets was formed. Post-zygotic barriers resulted in seed abortion and therefore immature achenes were harvested and rescued in vitro. The obtained F1 generation was investigated on morphological, molecular and cytogenetic level. The F1 plants had very similar flowers to the mother plants and although the limited molecular paternal contribution, AFLP analyses confirmed the hybrid character of the F1 plants. Chromosome counts showed that the F1 plants had many chromosome rearrangements.