Domestic cultivars of Primula L. and breeding directions for enhancing their resistance to changing climatic conditions in the Northern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21498/2518-1017.22.1.2026.357574

Keywords:

xerothermic stress, adaptability, ornamental plants, introduction, floriculture, urbophytocenoses

Abstract

Purpose. To establish and substantiate the key areas of breeding for representatives of the genus Primula L., with the objective of increasing their resistance to xerothermic stress. A comprehensive analysis will also be carried out of the economically valuable decorative traits of new adapted domestic varieties, in the conditions of the Northern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. The research was conducted between 2010 and 2025, based on the Primula collection fund of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine. This collection includes 17 species, two subspecies, 38 varieties, and interspecific hybrids. The introductory and breeding value of the taxa was determined using a set of integral indicators of resistance, decorative stability, and phenological development parameters. Targeted and introgressive hybridisation, individual clonal selection and comparative variety testing methods were employed. Results. The hydrothermal regime is the limiting factor for cultivating Primula species in the region, with summer-autumn drought acting as the critical stressor, even with moderate irrigation. Based on a comprehensive introductory study and analysis of the ecological and biological characteristics of natural biotopes, the primary sources of resistance to regional xerothermic conditions were identified: P. auricula L., P. elatior (L.) Hill, P. veris L., P. veris subsp. macrocalyx (Bunge) Lüdi, P. vulgaris Huds., P. vulgaris subsp. rubra (Sm.) Arcang., and P. woronowii Losinsk. The stages of the breeding process, which are based on generative recombination and the fixation of target traits through vegetative propagation, have been confirmed. The first domestic cultivars that combine complex resistance to abiotic and biotic stressors with high ornamental indices have been presented. Conclusions. It has been proven that the success of Primula cultivation depends on the degree of plant adaptability to xerothermic stress during the summer-autumn period. Within the studied gene pool, representatives of the section Primula exhibit the highest degree of adaptability. The following species with specific adaptive strategies were identified: P. japonica A.Gray, P. rosea Royle, and P. sieboldii E.Morren. Nine first domestic cultivars (‘Viesnianka’, ‘Chumatskyi Shliakh’, ‘Lisova Pisnia’, ‘Vyshyvanka’, ‘Sutinky’, ‘Bilosnizhka’, ‘Mari’, ‘Svitanok’, ‘Yuiusha’) are presented. Combining high aesthetic qualities with enhanced adaptive stability, these cultivars can be recommended for expanding the assortment of early-flowering plants in various types of landscape compositions in urban environments.

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References

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Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Pereboichuk, O. P. (2026). Domestic cultivars of Primula L. and breeding directions for enhancing their resistance to changing climatic conditions in the Northern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Plant Varieties Studying and Protection, 22(1), 35–46. https://doi.org/10.21498/2518-1017.22.1.2026.357574

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)

Section

PLANT BREEDING AND SEED PRODUCTION

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