Identification of main phenotypic traits of dianthus spp. core-collection varieties of pgrb buz?u based on flower descriptors

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is one of the world's main floricultural crops along with chrysanthemum and rose. Dianthus is one of the oldest ornamental plant in the world. Over time, the aim of Dianthus breeding has been to select or hybridize for totally white or double flowers. BRGV Buzau core collection contains more than 52 varieties of this species, organised in 5 groups according to the type of flower and the direction of use: C group (cut flowers), Gs group (garden type, single flower ), Gd group (garden type-double flower), Pd group (pot type-double flower), Ps (pot type single flower). From the 5 groups, 26 varieties belonging to the following species have been selected for the present work Dianthus caryophyllus and Dianthus chinensis with distinct phenotypic expression. The breeding methods used were clonal selection and repeated individual selection. From selected morphotypes, G I.3., G II.7, G III.6, G IV.3, G V.4 were completely different. The aims of breeding these varieties were the specific clove fragrance, the immaculate white colour, the presence of double flowers, the long vase life and the pleasant commercial and ornamental appearance.