backcross

definition of backcross

A backcross in anthuriums or other plants is a breeding method in which an offspring of a particular cross is crossed again with one of its parents. The aim of this method is to stabilize or specifically strengthen certain genetic characteristics in the offspring.

Backcrossing occurs through:
Initial cross: Two parent lines (e.g. A and B) are crossed to produce hybrids (F1 generation).
Backcrossing: An individual of the F1 generation is crossed with one of the original parents (A or B).

Goals of backcrossing in Anthurium
1. Fixation of desired characteristics:
If one of the parent plants has a certain characteristic (e.g. leaf structure, flower color or disease resistance), an attempt is made to integrate this characteristic more strongly into the offspring by backcrossing.
2. Preservation of the genetics of one parent:
Anthuriums with special aesthetic or commercial characteristics can be genetically more closely adapted to the desired parent plants through backcrossing.
3. Introduction of a new feature:
A characteristic (e.g. a rare leaf coloration) from a wild species is introduced into a breeding line by crossing, but the characteristics of the breeding line are retained by backcrossing.
4. Attempt to remove undesirable features:
Undesirable genetic characteristics from the F1 generation can be removed by repeated backcrossing with one parent.

Example of Anthurium
A: Anthurium Red Crystallinum (has conspicuous leaf veins).
B: Anthurium Crystallinum (has robust growth characteristics).
F1 generation: Hybrid with characteristics of both parents (e.g. conspicuous veins and robust growth).

Backcrossing:
Backcrossing an F1 hybrid with A (Anthurium Red Crystallinum):
Objective: To enhance decorative leaf venation in the offspring.
Backcross: Backcross of an F1 hybrid with B (Crystallinum):
Objective: Maintaining growth stability while retaining aesthetic properties.

procedures and challenges
Selection: Only individuals of the F1 generation that exhibit the desired trait are selected for backcrossing.
Repetition: Backcrossing is often repeated over several generations to increase the genetic stability of the desired trait.
Loss of resistance (heterosis): Backcrossing can cause the hybrid to lose its resistance. It is therefore important to find a balance between stabilization and genetic diversity. Here, too, the selection of particularly healthy offspring helps.

Practical significance in Anthurium breeding
Backcrossing is an important tool in Anthurium and plant breeding. It is used to develop new hybrid varieties, improve resistance to diseases and environmental stress, and optimize aesthetic properties (eg leaf shape, color and structure).

Through targeted backcrossing, unique anthurium varieties with improved properties can be created.