Field trial survey and breeder perceptions to select between ornamental Glandularia hybrids

Abstract

The aims of the paper are to characterize the ornamental bedding behaviour of selected Glandularia materials, to evaluate breeder and public preferences (PP) of new potential ornamental plants to be introduced in the market and to obtain a ranking with the best-selected materials. After hybrids characterizations through different traits of ornamental interest, a survey was conducted to identify the breeder and PP separately but also with an integrated index. The indices were applied to systematize bedding data considering breeder and public aesthetic preferences using persistent (12-months plants) and new (3-months plants) materials. Similarities were found in the breeder and PP for new materials. The perception of a similar aesthetic value by the breeder and the public was reflected in the scores assigned to Glandularia hybrids materials. For persistent materials, breeder and public perceptions presented some differences that are interesting to be considered at the moment to introduce new ornamental plants into the market.