| The cytogenetic investigation of the germplasm used in this research showed the plant material to be tetraploid with about 64 somatic chromosomes. A dominant gene, Ru (R), is hypothesized to control the red underfoliage color inheritance in the tetraploid fibrous-rooted Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum Hort. germplasm of this study. This dominant gene also affects the intensity of the foliage color with RRRR and RRRr giving dark red color on the underside of the leaves. The combination of RRrr and Rrrr gives intermediate red coloration, and homozygous recessive rrrr gives all-green foliage. Age of plants, daylength, and temperature also affect underfoliage color. Test crosses and analyses of F... |
