The crossbreeding compatibility of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) with its close relatives

Abstract

Hybridization is one of the breeding methods for kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) that can generate superior varieties. This research investigated interspecific hybrids between kenaf and its close relatives. The research was conducted in April–October 2018 at the experimental garden of Balittas Karangploso, Malang, Indonesia. The research materials were eight genotypes of H. cannabinus (KR1, KR4, KR5, KR6, KR15, Kin 2, DS028, and Cuba 108/Italia), and three of its close relatives (H. radiatus (Kal II), H. acetocella (SSRH 023), and H. sabdariffa (HS40)). The proportion of successful kenaf interspecific hybrids was 0–97.92%. The interspecific hybrids between H.cannabinus as the parental female and H. radiatus as the parental male were compatible (100%). Interspecific hybrids between H. cannabinus as the parental female and H. acetocella as the parental male were very compatible (12.5%), partly compatible (75%), and incompatible (12.5%). Interspecific hybrids between H. cannabinus as the parental female and H. sabdariffa as the parental male were compatible (12.5%), partly compatible (50%), and incompatible (37.5%). A reciprocal cross between H. cannabinus and H. acetocella was compatible (100%), but a reciprocal cross between H. cannabinus and H. sabdariffa was compatible (75%) and incompatible (25%). The mean viability of seed from the interspecific hybrids between H. cannabinus and its three close relatives was 0%. The viability of seed obtained from the reciprocal cross between kenaf and H. radiatus was 41.5%, between kenaf and H. acetocella was 31.5%, and between kenaf and H. sabdariffa was 0%.