Morphological description of Bougainvillea varieties based on DUS Test characters

Abstract: The experiment was carried out during 2012-13 and 2013-14 to estimate the morphological variability of 25 Indian Bougainvillea varieties at Botanic Garden, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow for 28 morphological traits. The variegated varieties viz., Dr. P.V. Sane, Abhimanyu and Los Banos ?Variegata? showed a unique tertiary leaf blade colour. Out of the 25 varieties, seven varieties had elliptic leaf blade shape while 13 varieties had medium ovate. Nine varieties had variegated leaves and rest were non-variegated. Only three varieties viz., Los Banos ?Variegata?, Los Banos Variegata ?Silver Margin? and Pallavi had multiple bracts and flowers were absent. Bracts colour also had a wide variation from light colour (white) to dark colour (magenta). The results suggest that the characterization data of these varieties can be used as a reference for registration of other new varieties under PPV&FR Act, 2001. This investigation may also be helpful to the researchers with respect to breeding of Bougainvillea varieties for particular traits. Moreover, ornamental plant growers can also get benefited with regards to selection of suitable varieties of their interest.