Interspecific crosses between Pelargonium x hortorum and P-quinquelobatum using embryo rescue and molecular characterization of hybrids by an endogenous chs probe

Interspecific hybridizations were performed between Pelargonium x hortorum (subgenus Ciconium) and a yellow-flowered species, Pelargonium quinquelobatum (subgenus Eumorpha). Hybrids, using embryo rescue. were obtained only when P. quinquelobatum was used as the female parent. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloned Pelargonium chs gene fragment was used as probe to characterize hybrids by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Chromatographic flavonoid analysis showed that hybrids could synthesize both flavonol glycosides and anthocyanin in the petals which were pale yellow to pale pink from the proximal to the distal part.