The genusGenus ZephyranthesZephyranthes, named after the Greek godGreek god of the west windWest wind and meaning “flowerFlower,” belongs to the subfamily AmaryllidoideaeSubfamily Amaryllidoideae and comprises about 60–90 speciesSpecies with a native distributionDistribution from MarylandMaryland to ArgentinaArgentina or tropicalTropical and subtropical AmericaSubtropical America. It has been introduced to various countries worldwide, with MexicoMexico housing approximately 51% of the documented speciesSpecies. These charming perennial bulbous plantsBulbous plants are known for their decorative appealDecorative appeal and have been traditionally used for medicinal purposesMedicinal purposes in several countries, such as IndiaIndia, PeruPeru, ChinaChina, BangladeshBangladesh, ColombiaColombia, VietnamVietnam, and AfricaAfrica. Their value lies in beautiful flowersFlower, which come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and more. Additionally, some speciesSpecies possess sweetly fragrant flowersFragrant flowers. This chapter provides an overview of the origin, botanical characteristicsBotanical characteristics, phytochemical characterizationPhytochemical characterization, propagationPropagation, recent developments on cytogenetic studiesCytogenetic studies and their application for crop improvement in association with conventional breedingBreeding methods of ZephyranthesZephyranthes. Numerous studies have explored the chromosome numbersChromosome numbers and structuresChromosome structures in Zephyranthes speciesSpecies, revealing a wide range of variations. Despite most speciesSpecies maintaining stable chromosome numbersChromosome numbers, irregularities have been observed in certain speciesSpecies. Various investigations have delved into karyotype and meiotic behaviorMeiotic behavior, identifying abnormalitiesAbnormalities and correlations with pollen fertilityPollen fertility. The breedingBreeding of ZephyranthesZephyranthes speciesSpecies focuses on desirable traits like ruffled petalsRuffled petals, fragranceFragrance, and various colors. Hybridization programsHybridization programs involve crossing multiple parents to create new hybrids, although certain hybrids may resemble the maternal parent due to apomixes. During the breedingBreeding program, breeders may utilize techniques like embryo rescue and genetic markersGenetic markers to facilitate the creation of new hybrids possessing desired traits. Additionally, advances in molecular genetics and genomics may further enhance the breedingBreeding program by allowing breeders to identify and select for specific genes associated with desired traits.

Genetic Landscape of Zephyranthes: Insights into Breeding and Propagation

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发表日期：

2025年

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Hoa Quynh Vu

摘要

The genusGenus ZephyranthesZephyranthes, named after the Greek godGreek god of the west windWest wind and meaning “flowerFlower,” belongs to the subfamily AmaryllidoideaeSubfamily Amaryllidoideae and comprises about 60–90 speciesSpecies with a native distributionDistribution from MarylandMaryland to ArgentinaArgentina or tropicalTropical and subtropical AmericaSubtropical America. It has been introduced to various countries worldwide, with MexicoMexico housing approximately 51% of the documented speciesSpecies. These charming perennial bulbous plantsBulbous plants are known for their decorative appealDecorative appeal and have been traditionally used for medicinal purposesMedicinal purposes in several countries, such as IndiaIndia, PeruPeru, ChinaChina, BangladeshBangladesh, ColombiaColombia, VietnamVietnam, and AfricaAfrica. Their value lies in beautiful flowersFlower, which come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and more. Additionally, some speciesSpecies possess sweetly fragrant flowersFragrant flowers. This chapter provides an overview of the origin, botanical characteristicsBotanical characteristics, phytochemical characterizationPhytochemical characterization, propagationPropagation, recent developments on cytogenetic studiesCytogenetic studies and their application for crop improvement in association with conventional breedingBreeding methods of ZephyranthesZephyranthes. Numerous studies have explored the chromosome numbersChromosome numbers and structuresChromosome structures in Zephyranthes speciesSpecies, revealing a wide range of variations. Despite most speciesSpecies maintaining stable chromosome numbersChromosome numbers, irregularities have been observed in certain speciesSpecies. Various investigations have delved into karyotype and meiotic behaviorMeiotic behavior, identifying abnormalitiesAbnormalities and correlations with pollen fertilityPollen fertility. The breedingBreeding of ZephyranthesZephyranthes speciesSpecies focuses on desirable traits like ruffled petalsRuffled petals, fragranceFragrance, and various colors. Hybridization programsHybridization programs involve crossing multiple parents to create new hybrids, although certain hybrids may resemble the maternal parent due to apomixes. During the breedingBreeding program, breeders may utilize techniques like embryo rescue and genetic markersGenetic markers to facilitate the creation of new hybrids possessing desired traits. Additionally, advances in molecular genetics and genomics may further enhance the breedingBreeding program by allowing breeders to identify and select for specific genes associated with desired traits.