TECHNIQUE USED TO PRODUCE HYBRIDS IN POINSETTIA (Euphorbia pulcherrima Wild. ex Klotzsch)

Abstract

The highest sold ornamental plant in pots in the world is poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch), considered a symbol of Christmas. In México, the poinsettia producer has the opportunity to choose for this crop among more than 60 varieties and hybrids, all of them improved outside the country. In this study, a technique to produce poinsettia hybrids is presented, for which collections from 10 Mexican states were used. Tests for pollen viability and stigma receptivity were performed, in addition to modifying the emasculation technique. In the results, with emasculation there was 61 % of fruit taking root in 2010 and in 2013, as third year of its application, it increased to 68 %; instead, when the technique is not applied the fertilization and taking root is null. Modifying the emasculation technique was a key factor to produce hybrids using germplasm of Mexican origin. This will allow the producers to have material adapted to the local production conditions in less time.