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Osmanthus fragrans Lour. is prized for its fragrant, cool-season blooms, smooth leaves, and compact tree form; however, the species is limited in production and use to USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and higher. Increasing the total amount of genetic variability available for evaluation, selection, and breeding is foundational to the development of novel Osmanthus cultivars with increased cold-hardiness and improved ornamental characteristics such as high rooting rates, faster growth, fragrant flowers, and an evergreen or semi-evergreen habit. Hybridization among Osmanthus species should generate novel phenotypes and allow trait introgression among populations and breeding lines. The objectives of this study were to produce, verify, and evaluate Osmanthus hybrids by making controlled and open-pollinated crosses among Osmanthus species, using SSR markers to determine parentage of cross progeny, and comparing flowering, leaf shape, and form of hybrids offspring with parents. Fifty-eight of 66 progenies (88%) were assigned paternity at the 95% confidence level or above and 47 progenies (71%) were assigned paternity at the 99% confidence level. Novel Osmanthus hybrids were produced including O. armatus × O. fortunei, O. armatus × O. heterophyllus, and O. armatus × O. fragrans. Open-pollinated families increased in height an average of 204% and 159% per year in the first and second growing seasons, respectively. Male flower type was significantly associated with progeny flower type (χ² = 17.5, p < 0.0001) while leaf margin was not associated with cross family (χ² = 0.83, p = 0.84). Evaluation of more Osmanthus accessions and subsequent hybridizations will be necessary to introgress favorable genes and generate the variation necessary to expand the genus into new markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extending the range of Osmanthus species into more cold-hardy climates would open new opportunities for adoption and use of these species by growers, landscapers, and the public. Breeding improvement is hindered by few available cultivars and a lack of female or perfect flowers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate floral morphology and pollination biology of Osmanthus species available in the U.S. market. Thirty-three genotypes representing four species were evaluated in McMinnville, TN, USA for genome size, floral morphology, pollen viability, and self- and cross-compatibility. All genotypes were diploid with 2C genome sizes ranging from 2.89 to 3.21 pg. Perfect flowers were observed in all O. armatus and 82% of O. heterophyllus genotypes. All observed O. fortunei and O. fragrans genotypes had male-only flowers. Pollen viability based on staining and in vitro germination ranged from 8% to 98% and 6% to 53%, respectively. Pollen germination was observed on stigmas of 94.2% of O. armatus and O. heterophyllus flowers collected 24 hours after cross- or self-pollination. There was a significant association between cross type and percentage of flowers with pollen tubes reaching the ovaries; after 72 h, pollen tubes had reached the ovaries of in 67% of intraspecific crosses, 78% of interspecific crosses, and 0% of self crosses (χ2 = 26.5, p < 0.001). This study provides evidence of a self-incompatibility system in O. armatus and O. heterophyllus and provides insights into opportunities and challenges for Osmanthus hybrid breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]