The 2012 ASHS Annual Conference

Hibiscus sabdariffa or sorrel is grown throughout the world for its fresh juice made from the calyxes of the plant. Plant height can reach up to 7 feet and branches between varieties vary. The objective of this study was to compare the height, branches and floral induction of two parent Caribbean sorrel varieties with F₁ and F₂ generations. The parental varieties were St Kitts dark (SKD) and Trinidad black (TTB).  Data was collected on height, branching and floral induction at two week intervals.  Parent SKD had the greatest amount of fruit-bearing branches than TTB, F₁ or F₂ populations.   The TTB x SKD F₁ resulted in taller plants than either parent or the SKD x TTB F₁ plants.  However, all F₂ generation plants were shorter than either parent.  All F₁ plants initiated flowers when SKD did which was two weeks before TTB, however all the F₂ initiated flowers with TTB.  Sorrel is selfpollinating causing inbred varieties but hybrid vigor can be obtained by crossing varieties which can improve production.