Rare species of pelargonium in the collection of the Russian Research Institute of Floriculture and Subtropical Crops

This article presents the results of research on search and introduction of natural species of pelargonium in the humid subtropical zone of Russia. Many members of the genus Pelargonium are highly ornamental and well adapted to new growing conditions. On the basis of the Russian Research Institute of Floriculture and Subtropical Crops, a collection of pelargonium was formed, which has about 200 accessions, includes species, varieties of domestic and foreign breeding (159 samples) and hybrid forms of great interest for breeding work. Hybrid Fund contains 50 promising hybrids, 17 of which are elite forms. According to the classification refined in 2014 by the German scientist J. Roeschenbleck it has representatives of all four branches (A, B, C1 and C2), four subgenera and 6 sections. Subgenus Pelargonium: Pelargonium section and Otidia ; subgenus Parvulipetala: sections Peristera and Reniformia ; subgenus Magnipetala: section Myrrhidium ; subgenus Paucisignata: section Ciconium . The objects of research are the species of pelargonium sections of the Pelargonium, Peristera and Myrridium . A unified description of rare and promising species of pelargonium is given. Phenological phases of species pelargonium development were established. Peculiarities of their growth and reproduction under new growing conditions were studied. Species most adapted for cultivation in the humid subtropics of southern Russia were identified on the basis of a comprehensive evaluation of ornamentality and biological features. Maximum points (80) according to the General ornamental effect was observed in three types: P. сordifolium, P. fruticosum, P. canariensе . Pelargonium canariensе and fruticosum are long-flowering (more than 100 days), aromatic, resistant to biotic and abiotic stressors. P. australe, P.canariensе, Р. exstipulatum and P. cordifolium can be used in breeding as sources of useful traits.