Altered flower pattern and color in new guinea impatiens

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to new, distinct and stable New Guinea impatiens plants (hereinafter referred to as “NGI”) exhibiting a striped pattern or an altered flower color. The NGI plants of the present invention produce an inflorescence containing one or more flowers which have at least one petal per flower which exhibits a striped pattern or an altered flower color. The present invention also relates to methods for making a New Guinea impatiens plants having an inflorescence containing one or more flowers which have at least one petal per flower which exhibits a striped pattern or an altered flower color.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Only a very few floricultural crops have been introduced to the floriculture industry in the last 25 years that can compare with the success of New Guinea impatiens. (New Guinea Impatiens, A Ball Guide, edited by W. Banner and M. Klopmeyer, Ball Publishing (1995)). Initially, the NGI was regarded primarily as a bedding plant. Id. Now the crop is no longer confined to a bedding plant classification. Id. Instead, growers have realized that NGIs can be used as flowering potted plants and in hanging baskets. Id.

[0004] Impatiens plants reported to be native to New Guinea were classified in 1886 as Impatiens Hawkeri. Id. Occasionally, these early specimens were referred to as Impatiens herzogii. Id. In the early 1900's, botanists from Germany, England and the Netherlands explored parts of the Sundra Islands, and by 1915 nine New Guinea impatiens species were identified from this area: I dahili, I herzogii, I laxterbachii, I linearifolia, I inooreana, I. polyphylla, I rodatzii, I schlechteri, and I. trichura. Id. Taxonomically the collections were confusing and were considered to be habitat variations of I. herzogii rather than new species by Von R. Schlecter. Id. Expeditions by botanists from the United States, Australia, France and Switzerland also searched Papua and the New Guineas for new impatiens species. Id. In the most recent taxonomic classification, Grey-Wilson proposed that New Guinea impatiens belong to one highly variable species, I. Hawkeri, in which 15 groups were identified based on geographic location. Id.

[0005] Although diverse phenotypically, members of New Guinea impatiens are interfertile and generally have a 2n chromosome number of 32 (T. Arisumi, J Hered., 64: 77-79 (1973)). In 1970, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced 23 impatiens from New Guinea, in order to increase the germplasm pool for this crop. (H.F. Winters, Am. Hortic., 52, 923 (1973)). Breeding programs initiated with this material have led to the development of New Guinea impatiens plants that are adapted to a variety of light conditions, and have large flowers of a wide variety of colors including white, pink, red, orange, purple, rose, salmon and coral as well as bicolors. (New Guinea Impatiens, A Ball Guide, edited by W. Banner and M. Klopmeyer, Ball Publishing (1995)).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a NGI plant which has a flower containing at least one petal which exhibits a striped pattern or an altered flower color. This NGI plant may have a pedigree which includes the plants 1865, 2581 or 2582. Additionally, the present invention also includes pollen, ovules and seed from such a striped or altered flower color NGI plant. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a tissue culture of regenerable cells as well as a cutting from such a striped or altered flower color NGI plant.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a NGI plant having a flower with at least one petal which exhibits a striped pattern. The method involves irradiating a NGI plant with electromagnetic radiation, ion beams or treating a NGI plant with a chemical mutagen and then selecting a shoot from the treated plant containing a flower having at least one petal which exhibits a striped pattern. The irradiated or chemically treated plant may be a rooted cutting or a whole plant.

[0008] If irradiated, the plant may be irradiated with gamma rays, x-rays or ultraviolet rays. The NGI plant may be irradiated with from about 1.5 to about 3.5 krads of electromagnetic radiation or ion beams.

[0009] If the NGI plant is treated with a chemical mutagen, it may be treated with alkylating sulphonates and sulphates, such as ethyl methane sulphonate, methyl methane sulphonate and diethyl sulphate, or nitroso compounds, such as nitrosoguanidine, ethylnitrosourea and methylnitrosourea.

[0010] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for altering the color of the petals of a flower of a NGI plant. The method involves irradiating a NGI plant with electromagnetic radiation, ion beams or treating a NGI plant with a chemical mutagen and then selecting a shoot from the treated plant containing a flower having at least one petal which exhibits an altered flower color. The irradiated or chemically treated plant may be a rooted cutting or a whole plant.

[0011] If irradiated, the plant may be irradiated with gamma rays, x-rays or ultraviolet rays. The NGI plant may be irradiated with from about 1.5 to about 3.5 krads of electromagnetic radiation or ion beams.

[0012] If the NGI plant is treated with a chemical mutagen, it may be treated with alkylating sulphonates and sulphates, such as ethyl methane sulphonate, methyl methane sulphonate and diethyl sulphate, or nitroso compounds, such as nitrosoguanidine, ethylnitrosourea and methylnitrosourea.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] The file of this patent contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0014]
FIG. 1 shows a photograph of a flower from a NGI plant named ‘Grape Crush’. ‘Grape Crush’ has large round vibrant purple flowers with a red eye. The petals are brighter than Red-Purple Group 74A with the lower four petals commonly displaying bases (“displaying bases” as used herein refers to the area of common connection between the lower four petals) of Red Group 53C (adaxial), and Red-Purple Group 74B (abaxial).

[0015]
FIG. 2 shows a photograph of a flower from NGI plant 1865 of the present invention. The plants of the present invention contain petals which exhibit a striped pattern. The petals have a color of Red-Purple Group 74A (adaxial) and Red-Purple Group 74B (abaxial). The stripes have a color of Red-Purple Group 65C.

[0016]
FIG. 3 shows a photograph of flowers from a NGI plant named ‘Lavender Glow’. ‘Lavender Glow’ has large round purple flowers having a petal color of Purple-Violet Group 81C (adaxial) and Purple-Violet Group 81D (abaxial).

[0017]
FIG. 4 shows a photograph of flowers from NGI plant 2581 of the present invention. The flowers of the plants of the present invention contain petals which exhibit a striped pattern. The petals have a color of Purple-Violet Group 8 1C (adaxial) and Purple-Violet Group 81D (abaxial). The stripes have a color of Purple Group 75D.

[0018]
FIG. 5 shows a photograph of flowers from NGI plant 2582 of the present invention. The flowers of the plant of the present invention have altered flower color and have petals of color Purple Group 75D with Red-Purple Group 64C at the base (adaxial). Purple Group 75D with Red-Purple Group 64C at the base with midveins of Red-Purple Group 64B (abaxial).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The color chart used in the identification of colors described herein is the R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England.

[0020] The NGI plants of the present invention have an inflorescence containing one or more flowers which have at least one petal per flower which exhibits a striped pattern or altered flower color. As used herein, the term “striped pattern” or “striping pattern” means that a darker background color on a flower petal is randomly interdispersed with irregular bands or streaks of a lighter color. As used herein, the term “altered flower color” means that the color on a flower petal has been changed (either lightened or darkened), when compared to a control plant not treated pursuant to the methods hereinafter described.

[0021]
FIG. 1 is a photograph of a flower from a NGI plant named ‘Grape Crush’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,107). ‘Grape Crush’ has large round vibrant purple flowers with a red eye which displays an iridescent appearance. The petals are brighter than Red-Purple Group 74A with the lower four petals commonly displaying bases of Red Group 53C (adaxial), and Red-Purple Group 74B (abaxial). In addition, the foliage is medium green in coloration. Additionally, ‘Grape Crush’ exhibits good basal branching and an attractive moderately compact upright mounded growth habit.

[0022] In contrast, FIG. 2 is a photograph of a flower from the NGI 1865 of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the distinct striping of the petals of the NGI plants of the present invention. The petals have a color of Red-Purple Group 74A (adaxial) and Red-Purple Group 74B (abaxial). The stripes have a color of Red-Purple Group 65C.

[0023]
FIG. 3 shows a photograph of flowers from a NGI plant named ‘Lavender Glow’. Lavender Glow has large round purple flowers having a petal color of Purple-Violet Group 81C (adaxial) and 81D (abaxial).

[0024]
FIG. 4 shows a photograph of flowers from NGI plant 2581 of the present invention. The flowers of the plant of the present invention contain petals which exhibit a striped pattern. The petals have a color of Purple-Violet Group 81C (adaxial) and Purple-Violet Group 81D (abaxial). The stripes have a color of Purple Group 75D.

[0025]
FIG. 5 shows a photograph of flowers from NGI plant 2582 of the present invention. The flowers of the plant of the present invention have petals of color Purple Group 75D with Red-Purple Group 64C at the base (adaxial). Purple Group 75D with Red-Purple Group 64C at the base with midveins of Red-Purple Group 64B (abaxial).

[0026] This previously unknown striped and altered flower color NGI plants of the present invention arose as a result of the irradiation of a NGI plant with electromagnetic radiation, particularly, gamma rays. It is believed that the irradiation of a NGI causes a somatic mutation in the cells which produce flower color and thus results in a chimera having flowers with striped petals or flowers having altered color. Additionally, the striped NGI plants of the present invention maintain functional male and female organs.

[0027] It is believed that the striped pattern and altered flower color in the petals of a NGI plant can also be obtained in a NGI plant by irradiating a plant with other types of electromagnetic radiation such as x-rays, ultraviolet rays as well as with ion beams. The NGI plant can be irradiated with from about 1.5 to about 3.5 kilorads of electromagnetic radiation or ion beams. Preferably, the NGI plants are irradiated with from about 2.0 to 3.0 kilorads of radiation or ion beams.

[0028] Additionally, the striped and altered flower color NGI plants of the present invention may also be produced by treating a NGI plants with a chemical mutagen. Like the irradiation described earlier, it is believed that treating a NGI with a chemical mutagen causes a somatic mutation in the cells which produce flower color and thus results in a chimera having flowers with striped petals or altered flower color. Any chemical mutagen which causes a somatic mutation can be used to produce the striped or altered flower color NGI plants of the present invention. If the NGI plant is treated with a chemical mutagen, it may be treated with alkylating sulphonates and sulphates, such as ethyl methane sulphonate, methyl methane sulphonate and diethyl sulphate, or nitroso compounds, such as nitrosoguanidine, ethylnitrosourea and methylnitrosourea. Protocols for treating seeds with mutagens such as ethyl methane sulphonate (hereinafter “EMS”) are well established in the art. A standard procedure using Arabidopsis seed includes treatment with 0.1% to 0.3% EMS for about eight to about twelve hours. Treatment methods may include immersion of shoots, buds, seeds or cell cultures in the chemical solution. Immersion under pressure or the use of penetrating agents, such as dimethyl sulphoxide, may improve the penetration of the chemical into the plant tissue. In addition, solutions may be injected into buds or administered through cut ends of shoots.

[0029] A cutting rooted in a suitable growth medium, such as oasis, or an entire NGI plant may be irradiated or treated with a chemical mutagen using the processes described herein. If a rooted cutting is used, once irradiated or treated with a chemical mutagen, the cutting is allowed to grow. Shoots from the treated plants containing flowers having petals exhibiting the striped pattern or altered flower color described herein are then selected and propagated through cuttings or other forms of asexual reproduction. Further selections may be made if desired and maintained through successive generations via asexual reproduction. If an entire NGI plant is irradiated or treated with a chemical mutagen, shoots from the treated plant containing flowers having petals exhibiting the striped pattern or altered flower color are selected and propagated through asexual reproduction.

[0030] Using the techniques described herein, the striped pattern or altered petal color may be incorporated into NGI plants having many different flower colors, including plants with bicolor flowers. Additionally, the striped pattern or altered flower color can be incorporated into NGI plants having solid green foliage, green and yellow variegated foliage, dark green foliage, dark purplish leaves, dark purplish and cream variegated foliage, etc.

[0031] The NGI plants of the present invention are genetically stable and can be stably reproduced by means of asexual propagation. It is expected that any striped or altered flower color NGI plant can be produced commercially through asexual propagation. Cuttings for asexual propagation can be taken at any time of the year and no special hormones or soil mixtures are required.

[0032] By way of example, and not of limitation, examples of the present invention shall now be given.

EXAMPLE 1

Irradiation Program to develop NGI Plant 1865

[0033] ‘Grape Crush’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,107) is a compact, New Guinea impatiens plant having medium green foliage and vibrant solid red-purple flowers. The petals are brighter than Red-Purple Group 74A with the lower four petals commonly displaying bases of Red Group 53C (adaxial), and Red-Purple Group 74B (abaxial). As shown in FIG. 1, the petals of ‘Grape Crush’ do not exhibit a striped pattern. ‘Grape Crush’ is commercially available from Ball FloraPlant, 622 Town Road, West Chicago, Ill. 60185-2698.

[0034] Cuttings from ‘Grape Crush’ were irradiated with 2 kilorads of gamma rays. The irradiated cuttings were allowed to grow. A cutting containing a flower having petals which exhibited a striped pattern was made and allowed to grow. The resulting plant contained a number of flowers having petals which exhibited the striped pattern. A cutting of these flowers containing the petals with the striped pattern was made and planted. This cutting was designated 1865. As shown in FIG. 2, the petals of 1865 have a color of Red-Purple Group 74A (adaxial) and 74B (abaxial). The stripes have a color of Red-Purple Group 65C.

EXAMPLE 2

Detailed Description of Striped NGI Plant 1865 and Comparison with ‘Grape Crush’

[0035] The color chart used in the identification of colors described herein is the R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England.

1CharacteristicNGI Plant 1865‘Grape Crush’PropagationType cuttingTerminal tipTerminal tipTime to initiateApproximately 14-21 daysApproximately 14-21 daysrootsRooting habitFibrous, branchingFibrous, branchingPlant DescriptionGeneral appearanceMedium, upright moundedModerately compact, uprightand formmoundedCrop timeFinished plant 10 weeks afterFinished plant 8 to 10 weeks afterplanting a rooted cuttingplanting a rooted cuttingBranching habitFreely basal branchingFreely basal branching withoutwithout pinching or growthpinching or growth regulatorsregulatorsLateral branchApproximately 4Approximately 5numberLateral branchApproximately 11.8 cmApproximately 11.5 cmlengthLateral branchApproximately 8 mmApproximately 8 mmdiameterInternode lengthApproximately 4.6 cmApproximately 2.5 to 2.8 cmStem colorGreener than Yellow-GreenGreener than Yellow-GreenGroup 144A with GreyedGroup 144A with Greyed-Purple Group 183B at nodesPurple Group 183D at nodes.Height of foliageApproximately 16 cm above a 10Approximately 8 to 9 cmcm potabove a 10 cm potArea of spreadApproximately 27 cmApproximately 20 to 23Foliage DescriptionFormElliptic with acuminate apexElliptic with acuminate apexand attenuate baseand an acuminate baseMarginSerrate, ciliateSerrateArrangementAlternate or in whorles of 5 or 6Alternate or in whorles of 5 or 6Venation patternArcuateArcuateSurfaceUpper is rough; lower smoothUpper is rough; lower smoothColor of matureBetween Green Group 137 A andGreen Group 139A with veinsfoliage-upperGreen Group 143A with veins ofand midrib of Yellow-GreensurfaceYellow-Green Group 148A andGroup 146Dmidrib of Greyed-Orange Group76CColor of matureBetween Yellow-Green GroupGreen Group 138A with midribfoliage-lower146B and Yellow-Green Groupand veins of Yellow-Green Groupsurface147B with veins and midrib of146DYellow-Green Group 148ASizeApproximately 9.2 cm in lengthApproximately 9 to 10 cm inand approximately 3.1 cm in widthlength and 3 to 3.7 cm in widthPetiole lengthApproximately 1.8 cmApproximately 2 cmPetiole diameterApproximately 2 mmApproximately 2 mmPetiole colorLighter than Grey-Orange GroupLighter than Grey-Orange Group176C176CFlower DescriptionFlowering habitFreely flowering under outdoorFreely flowering under outdoorconditions with substantiallyconditions with substantiallycontinuous blooming from springcontinuous blooming from springand falluntil fallFlowers borneAbove foliage, arising from leafAbove foliage, arising from leafaxilsaxilsPeduncle lengthApproximately 6.1 cmApproximately 6 cmPeduncle colorYellow-Green Group 146CYellow-Green Group 146C withoverlaid with Greyed-Purplevery faint overlay of Greyed-Group 183DPurple Group 183DFlower formSingleSingleQuantity of flowersApproximately 3 per lateral branchApproximately 6 to 7 per lateralbranchFlower sizeApproximately 5.9 cmApproximately 5.3 to 6 cmNumber of petals5, overlapping5, overlappingPetal textureIridescentIridescentPetal shapeObovateSomewhat heart-shapedPetal marginEntireEntirePetal apexEmarginateEmarginatePetal baseLower petals narrow; upper petalLower petals narrow; upper petalhas a broad basehas a broad basePetal length3.3 cm3 cmPetal width3.5 cm3.7 cmFlower color-fullyPetals are Red-Purple Group 74APetals are brighter than Red-openedwith stripes of Red-Purple GroupPurple Group 74A with the lower65C (adaxial); Red-Purple Groupfour petals commonly displaying74B (abaxial)bases Red Group 53A (adaxial);and Red-Purple Group 74B(abaxial)Flower bud shapeEllipsoidalEllipsoidalFlower bud lengthApproximately 2.1 cmApproximately 2 cmFlower bud diameterApproximately 1.1 cmApproximately 1.7 cmSepalsThree sepals plus two rudimentaryThree sepals plus twosepals are fused into the underrudimentary sepals are fused intosurface of the superior petal. Athe under surface of the superiorspur originating from the base ofpetal. A spur originating from thethe inferior sepal is approximatelybase of the inferior sepal is5.7 cm in length on fully openedapproximately 5 to 6 cm in lengthflowers. The spur color is Red-on fully opened flowers. The spurPurple Group 60A with Yellow-color is Red-Purple Group 60AGreen Group 145A at tip.Reproductive organsThe anthers are fused togetherThe anthers are fused togetherforming one organ that surroundsforming one organ that surroundsthe pistil. The pistil isthe pistil. The stamens are Red-approximately 5 mm long, thePurple Group 74B. The ovarystigma color is Yellow-Greencolor is Yellow-Green GroupGroup 144A. Generally, the144A. Generally, the anthers shedanthers shed pollen prior to thepollen prior to the stigmastigma becoming receptive. Thebecoming receptive. The pollenpollen color is Yellow Group 11B.color is Yellow Group 11B.

EXAMPLE 3

Irradiation Program to Develop NGI Plant 2581

[0036] ‘Lavender Glow’ is an upright, mounded New Guinea impatiens plant having medium green foliage and solid purple flowers. The petals have a color of Purple-Violet Group 81C (adaxial) and 81D (abaxial). As shown in FIG. 3, the petals of ‘Lavender Glow’ do not exhibit a striped pattern. ‘Lavender Glow’ is commercially available from Ball FloraPlant, 622 Town Road, West Chicago, Ill. 60185-2698.

[0037] Cuttings from ‘Lavender Glow’ were irradiated with 2 kilorads of gamma rays. The irradiated cuttings were allowed to grow. A cutting containing a flower having petals which exhibited a striped pattern was made and allowed to grow. This cutting was designated 2581. As show in FIG. 4, the petals of 2581 have a color of Purple-Violet Group 81C (adaxial) and Purple-Violet Group 81D (abaxial). The stripes have a color of Purple Group 75D.

EXAMPLE 4

Detailed Description of Striped NGI Plant 2581 and Comparison with ‘Lavender Glow’

[0038]

2

Characteristic
NGI Plant 2581
‘Lavender Glow’

Propagation

Type cutting
Terminal tip
Terminal tip

Time to initiate roots
Approximately 14-21 days
Approximately 14-21 days

Rooting habit
Fibrous, freely branching
Fibrous, fine, freely branching

Plant Description

General appearance and
Upright and mounded; medium
Upright and mounded; medium

form
size; vigorous
size; vigorous

Crop time
Finished plant 8-10 weeks after
Finished plant approximately 10

planting a rooted cutting
weeks after planting a rooted

cutting

Branching habit
Freely basal branching without
Freely basal branching without

pinching or growth regulators
pinching or growth regulators

Lateral branch numbers
Approximately 5
Approximately 5 to 7

Lateral branch length
Approximately 15.8 cm
Approximately 11 to 12 cm

Lateral branch diameter
Approximately 8.3 mm
Approximately 5 to 7 mm

Internode length
Approximately 4.5 cm
Approximately 3 to 4 cm

Stem color
Greyed-Purple Group 183A
Greyed-Purple Group 183D

Height of foliage
Approximately 18 cm above a
Approximately 14 to 16 cm

10 cm pot
above a 10 cm pot

Area of spread
Approximately 35 cm
Approximately 20 to 25 cm

Foliage Description

Form
Elliptic with acute apex and
Elliptic with acuminate apex

acuminate base
and attenuate base

Margin
Serrate, ciliate
Serrate, ciliate

Arrangement
Opposite
Whorles or opposite

Venation pattern
Arcuate
Arcuate

Surface
Smooth
Slightly rugose; glossy;

glabrous

Color of mature foliage-
Closest to Green Group 137C
Green Group 139A with veins

upper surface
with veins of Greyed-Purple
of Red-Purple Group 59C

Group 185B

Color of mature foliage-
Closest to Green Group 137C
Green Group 138B with veins

lower surface
with veins of Greyed-Purple
of Red-Purple Group 59B

Group 185A

Size
Approximately 9.4 cm in
Approximately 7 to 8 cm in

length and approximately 3.5
length and approximately 2 to 3

cm in width
cm in width

Petiole length
Approximately 1.7 cm
Approximately 5 to 10 mm

Petiole diameter
Approximately 3 mm
Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 mm

Petiole color
Upper surface is Greyed-
Greyed-Purple Group 183D

Purple Group 185B; lower

surface is Greyed-Purple

Group 185A

Flower Description

Flowering habit
Freely flowering under outdoor
Freely flowering under outdoor

conditions with substantially
conditions with substantially

continuous blooming from
continuous blooming from

spring until fall
spring until fall

Flower type
Generally flat and rounded;
Generally flat and rounded;

typically face outward to
typically face outward to

upward
upward

Flowers borne
Above foliage, arising from
Above foliage, arising from leaf

leaf axils
axils

Peduncle length
Approximately 5.5 cm
Approximately 4 to 6 cm

Peduncle color
Grey-Purple Group 182B
Greyed-Purple Group 183D

Flower form
Single; sometimes exhibits
Single

“siamese” flowers

Quantity of flowers per
Approximately 3
Approximately 2

lateral stem

Quantity of flowers buds
Approximately 5
Approximately 5

per lateral stem

Quantity of flowers per
Approximately 15
Approximately 10

plant

Flower size
Approximately 6.2 cm width;
Approximately 7.3 to 7.5 cm

approximately 2 cm depth
width; approximately 1 cm

depth

Number of petals
5, overlapping
5, overlapping

Petal texture
Smooth, iridescent
Smooth, iridescent

Petal shape
Obovate
Cordate

Petal margin
Somewhat lacerate
Entire

Petal apex
Emarginate
Retuse

Petal base
Acuminate
Attenuate

Petal length
Approximately 3.4 cm
Approximately 3 to 4 cm

Petal width
Approximately 4.2 cm
Approximately 5 to 6 cm

Flower color- fully opened
Petals are Purple-Violet Group
Petals are Purple-Violet Group

81C with stripes of Purple
81C fading to Purple Group

Group 75D (adaxial); Purple-
76A (adaxial); Purple-Violet

Violet Group 81D (abaxial)
Group 81D (abaxial)

Flower bud shape
Oval-pointed
Elliptic

Flower bud length
Approximately 2.4 cm
Approximately 1.6 to 1.8 cm

Flower bud diameter
Approximately 1.3 cm
Approximately 1 cm

Flower bud color
Purple-Violet Group 81b
Purple-Violet Group 80A

Sepals
Three sepals plus two
Three sepals plus two

rudimentary sepals are fused
rudimentary sepals are fused

into the under surface of the
into the under surface of the

superior petal. A spur
superior petal. A spur

originating from the base of the
originating from the base of the

inferior sepal is approximately
inferior sepal is approximately 5

5.3 cm in length on fully
to 6 cm in length on fully

opened flowers. The spur color
opened flowers. The spur color

is Red-Purple Group 60A.
is Greyed-Purple 183D

Reproductive organs
The anthers are fused together
The anthers are fused together

forming one organ that
forming one organ that

surrounds the pistil. The pistil
surrounds the pistil. The ovary

is approximately 5 mm long,
color is Yellow-Green Group

the stigma color is Yellow-
144A. Anthers are obovate.

Green Group 150D, the style
Generally, the anthers shed

color is Green Group 143C,
pollen prior to the stigma

and the ovary color is Green
becoming receptive. Pollen

Group 143A. Anthers are 3
color is Yellow Group 11B.

mm in length having a color of

Yellow Group 12D. Generally,

the anthers shed pollen prior to

the stigma becoming receptive.

Pollen is produced in moderate

amounts and has color Yellow

Group 11C.

EXAMPLE 5

Irradiation Program to Develop NGI Plant 2582

[0039] ‘Lavender Glow’ is an upright, mounded New Guinea impatiens plant having medium green foliage and solid red-purple flowers. The petals have a color of Purple-Violet Group 81C (adaxial) and Purple-Violet Group 81D (abaxial). As shown in FIG. 3, the petals of ‘Lavender Glow’ do not exhibit a striped pattern. Lavender glow is commercially available from Ball FloraPlant, 622 Town Road, West Chicago, Ill. 60185-2698.

[0040] Cuttings from ‘Lavender Glow’ were irradiated with 2 kilorads of gamma rays. The irradiated cuttings were allowed to grow. A cutting containing a flower having petals which exhibited an altered flower color was made and allowed to grow. This cutting was designated 2582. As shown in FIG. 5, the petals of 2582 have a color of Purple Group 75D with Red-Purple Group 64C at the base (adaxial). Purple Group 75D with Red-Purple Group 64C at the base with midveins of Red-Purple Group 64B (abaxial).

EXAMPLE 6

Detailed Description of Altered Flower Color NGI Plant 2582 and Comparison with ‘Lavender Glow’

[0041]

3

Characteristic
NGI Plant 2582
‘Lavender Glow’

Propagation

Type cutting
Terminal tip
Terminal tip

Time to initiate roots
Approximately 14-21 days
Approximately 14-21 days

Rooting habit
Fibrous, freely branching
Fibrous, fine, freely branching

Plant Description

General appearance and form
Upright and mounded;
Upright and mounded; medium

medium size; vigorous
size; vigorous

Crop time
Finished plant 8-10 weeks
Finished plant approximately

after planting a rooted
10 weeks after planting a

cutting
rooted cutting

Branching habit
Freely basal branching
Freely basal branching without

without pinching or growth
pinching or growth regulators

regulators

Lateral branch number
Approximately 4
Approximately 5 to 7

Lateral branch length
Approximately 15.3 cm
Approximately 11 to 12 cm

Lateral branch diameter
Approximately 8.3 mm
Approximately 5 to 7 mm

Internode length
Approximately 5 cm
Approximately 3 to 4 cm

Stem color
Greyed-Purple Group 183A
Greyed-Purple Group 183D

Height of foliage
Approximately 21 cm above
Approximately 14 to 16 cm

a 10 cm pot
above a 10 cm pot

Area of spread
Approximately 31 cm
Approximately 20 to 25 cm

Foliage Description

Form
Elliptic with acute apex and
Elliptic with acuminate apex

acuminate base
and attenuate base

Margin
Serrate, ciliate
Serrate, ciliate

Arrangement
Opposite
Whorles or opposite

Venation pattern
Arcuate
Arcuate

Surface
Smooth
Slightly rugose; glossy;

glabrous

Color of mature foliage-
Closest to Green Group
Green Group 139A with veins

upper surface
139A with veins of Greyed-
of Red-Purple Group 59C

Purple Group 185C

Color of mature foliage-
Closest to Green Group
Green Group 138B with veins

lower surface
137C with veins of Greyed-
of Red-Purple Group 59B

Purple Group 185A

Size
Approximately 7.5 cm in
Approximately 7 to 8 cm in

length and approximately 3.3
length and approximately 2 to

cm in width
3 cm in width

Petiole length
Approximately 1.4 cm
Approximately 5 to 10 mm

Petiole diameter
Approximately 2 mm
Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 mm

Petiole color
Upper surface is Greyed-
Greyed-Purple Group 183D

Purple Group 185B; lower

surface is Greyed-Purple

Group 185A

Flower Description

Flowering habit
Freely flowering under
Freely flowering under outdoor

outdoor conditions with
conditions with substantially

substantially continuous
continuous blooming from

blooming from spring until
spring until fall

fall

Flower type
Generally flat and rounded;
Generally flat and rounded;

typically face outward to
typically face outward to

upward
upward

Flower borne
Above foliage, arising form
Above foliage, arising from

leaf axils
leaf axils

Peduncle length
Approximately 5.1 cm
Approximately 4 to 6 cm

Peduncle color
Greyed-Red Group 182B
Greyed-Purple Group 183D

Flower form
Single
Single

Quantity of flowers per
Approximately 2
Approximately 2

lateral stem

Quantity of flowers buds per
Approximately 4
Approximately 5

lateral stem

Quantity of flowers per plant
Approximately 8
Approximately 10

Flower size
Approximately 6.5 cm width;
Approximately 7.3 to 7.5

approximately 2 cm depth
width; approximately 1 cm

depth

Number of petals
5, overlapping
5, overlapping

Petal texture
Smooth, iridescent
Smooth, iridescent

Petal shape
Obovate
Cordate

Petal margin
Entire
Entire

Petal apex
Emarginate
Retuse

Petal base
Acuminate
Attenuate

Petal length
Approximately 3.1 cm
Approximately 3 to 4 cm

Petal width
Approximately 4.1 cm
Approximately 5 to 6 cm

Flower color-fully opened
Petals are Purple Group 75D
Petals are Purple-Violet Group

with Red-Purple Group 64C
81C fading to Purple Group

at the base (adaxial); Purple
76A (adaxial); Purple-Violet

Group 75D with Red-Purple
Group 81D (abaxial)

Group 64C at the base with

midveins of Red-Purple

Group 64B (abaxial)

Flower bud shape
Oval-pointed
Elliptic

Flower bud length
Approximately 1.7 cm
Approximately 1.6 to 1.8 cm

Flower bud diameter
Approximately 1 cm
Approximately 1 cm

Flower bud color

Purple-Violet Group 80A

Sepals
Three sepals plus two
Three sepals plus two

rudimentary sepals are fused
rudimentary sepals are fused

into the under surface of the
into the under surface of the

superior petal. A spur
superior petal. A spur

originating from the base of
originating from the base of the

the inferior sepal is
inferior sepal is approximately

approximately 5 cm in length
5 to 6 cm in length on fully

on fully opened flowers. The
opened flowers. The spur

spur color is Red-Purple
color is Greyed-Purple Group

Group 60A.
183D.

Reproductive organs
The anthers are fused
The anthers are fused together

together forming one organ
forming one organ that

that surrounds the pistil. The
surrounds the pistil. The ovary

pistil is approximately 5 mm
color is Yellow-Green Group

long, the stigma color is
144A. Anthers are obovate.

Yellow-Green Group 144D,
Generally, the anthers shed

the style color is Yellow-
pollen prior to the stigma

Green Group 144C, and the
becoming receptive. Pollen

ovary color is Yellow-Green
color is Yellow Group 11B.

Group 144B. Anthers are 3

mm in length having a color

of Yellow Group 12D.

Generally, the anthers shed

pollen prior to the stigma

becoming receptive. Pollen

is produced in moderate

amounts and has color

Yellow Group 12D.

[0042] The present invention is illustrated by way of the foregoing description and examples. The foregoing description is intended as a non-limiting illustration, since many variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view thereof It is intended that all such variations within the as defined in the following claims.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	09488296	Jan 2000	US
Child	10660999	Sep 2003	US

Altered flower pattern and color in new guinea impatiens

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