Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Alstroemeria: Conservation, Characterization, and Evaluation

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Floriculture and Ornamental Plants

Abstract

Alstroemeria (Alstroemeriaceae), the Inca lily or Lily of the Incas, is endemic to South America, mainly in Chile and Brazil, represented by around 90 species that occupy a diverse range of habitats. It is potential cut flower, pot plant, and bedding plant. The slow process of breeding delays the introduction of new cultivars to the commercial market.

The species classification in Alstroemeria is based on an evaluation of morphological traits of the flower, stem, leaf, fruit, and rhizome. The available biosystematic information on Alstroemeria species is restricted to the Chilean species. Little is known about the classification of the Brazilian species.

Objectives for breeders of this plant include vigorous growth forms, winter hardiness, continuous year-round flowering, fragrant flowers, novel flower colors, and removal of allergens. Winter-hardy hybrids were developed by using the Chilean species Alstroemeria aurea; fragrant hybrids were developed by using the Brazilian species, A. caryophyllaea with the assistance of in vitro techniques such as ovule embryo rescue, micropropagation, and somatic embryogenesis. Alstroemeria mutagenesis has been focused in changing few traits on outstanding cultivars. The allergen content can be reduced by mutagenesis with γ rays. Possibilities for cross combinations in Alstroemeria between the species are limited due to embryo abortion. In vitro embryo rescue has been demonstrated to be necessary in order for interspecific hybridization of Alstroemeria to be successful. However, in some of the species open pollination is possible.

Various methods of breeding, characterization and conservation of germplasm have been discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aker S, Healy E (1990) The phytogeography of the genus Alstroemeria. Herbertia 46:76–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Akutsu M, Ishizaki T, Sato H (2004a) Transformation of the monocotyledonous Alstroemeria by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Plant Cell Rep 22:561–568

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Akutsu M, Ishizaki T, Sato H (2004b) Transformation of the monocot Alstroemeria by Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Mol Breed 13:69–78

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aros D, Rogers H (2013) Floral scent as a new attribute for Alstroemeria: evaluation of new fragrant lines of A. caryophyllaea. Acta Hortic 1002:207–214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aros D, Meneses C, Infante R (2006) Genetic diversity of wild species and cultivated varieties of alstroemeria estimated through morphological descriptors and RAPD markers. Sci Hortic 108(1):86–90

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aros D, Olate E, Valdes S, Infante R (2012) Gamma irradiation on Alstroemeria aurea G. in vitro rhizomes: an approach to the appropriate dosage for breeding purposes. Rev FCA UNCUYO 44(1):191–197

    Google Scholar 

  • Aros D, Spadafora N, Ventur IM, Nunez-Lillo G, Meneses C, Methven L, Rogers H (2015) Floral scent evaluation of segregating lines of Alstroemeria caryophyllaea. Sci Hortic 185:183–192

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aros D, Suazo M, Rivas C, Zapata P, Ubeda C, Bridgen M (2019) Molecular and morphological characterization of new interspecific hybrids of alstroemeria originated from A. caryophylleae scented lines. Euphytica 215:93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-019-2415-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baeza C, Schrader O, Budahn H (2007) Characterization of geographically isolated accessions in five Alstroemeria L. species (Chile) using FISH of tandemly repeated DNA sequences and RAPD analysis. Plant Syst Evol 269:1–14

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baeza C, Schrader O, Ruiz E, Negritto M (2008) Alstroemeria presliana HERB. (Alstroemeriaceae) in Chile from a cytogenetic perspective. Chilean J Agric Res 68(4):328–333

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baeza C, Ruiz E, Negritto M (2010) Comparative karyotypic analysis in the Alstroemeria hookeri Lodd. (Alstroemeriaceae) complex sensu Bayer (1987). Genet Mol Biol 33:119–124

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Baeza CM, Finot VL, Ruiz E, Carrasco P, Novoa P, Stuessy T, González A (2016) Comparative karyotypic analysis and cytotaxonomy in the Alstroemeria ligtu L. (Alstroemeriaceae) complex of Chile. Rev Bras Bot 39:305–313

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bayer E (1987) Die Gattung Alstroemeria in Chile. Mitt Bot Staatssamml (München) 24:1–362

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellardi MG, Bertaccini A, Betti L (1994) Survey of viruses infecting alstroemeria in Italy. Acta Hortic 377:73–80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bridgen MP (1994) A review of plant embryo culture. HortScience 29:1243–1246

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bridgen M (2001) A nondestructive harvesting technique for the collection of native geophyte plant species. Herbertia 56:51–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridgen MP (2006) Using traditional and biotechnological breeding for new plant development. Comb Proc Int Plant Propag Soc 56:307–310

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridgen MP, Langhans R, Graig R (1989) Biotechnological breeding techniques for Alstroemeria. Herbertia 45:93–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridgen MP, Olate E, Schiappacasse F (2000) Flowering geophytes from Chile. Acta Hortic 570:75–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridgen MP, Kollman EE, Lu C (2009) Interspecific hybridization of Alstroemeria for the development of new, ornamental plants. Acta Hortic 836:73–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Broertje C, Verboom H (1974) Mutation breeding of Alstroemeria. Euphytica 23:39–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buitendijk JH, Ramanna MS, Jacobsen E (1992) Micropropagation ability: towards a selection criterion in Alstroemeria breeding. Acta Hortic 325:493–498

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buitendijk JH, Pinsonneaux N, van Donk AC, Ramanna MS, van Lammeren AAM (1995) Embryo rescue by half-ovule culture for the production of interspecific hybrids in Alstroemeria. Sci Hortic 64:65–75

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chacón J, de Assis MC, Meerow AW, Renner S (2012) From East Gondwana to Central America: historical biogeography of the Alstroemeriaceae. J Biogeogr 39:1806–1818

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chevalier F (1994) Hybrid detection in Alstroemeria by the use of species specific repetitive probes. MSc thesis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, p 58

    Google Scholar 

  • Chiari A, Bridgen MP (2002) Meristem culture and virus elimination in Alstroemeria. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Cult 68:49–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Assis MC (2001) Alstroemeria L. (Alstroemeriaceae) do Brasil. PhD thesis, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo

    Google Scholar 

  • de Assis MC (2009) New species of Alstroemeria (Alstroemeriaceae) from Brazil. Novon: J Bot Nomencl 19(2):145–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Jeu MJ, Jacobsen E (1995) Early postfertilization ovule culture in Alstroemeria L. and barriers to interspecific hybridization. Euphytica 86:15–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Jeu MJ, Sasbrink H, Garriga Calderé F, Piket J (1992) Sexual reproduction biology of Alstroemeria. Acta Hortic 325:571–575

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Jeu M, Lasschuit J, Chevalie RF, Visser RGF (1995) Hybrid detection in Alstroemeria by use of species specific repetitive probes. Acta Hortic 420:62–64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donoso A, Rivas C, Zamorano A, Peña Á, Handford M, Aros D (2021) Understanding Alstroemeria pallid flower colour: links between phenotype, anthocyanins and gene expression. Plan Theory 10:55. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010055

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dubouzet JG, Murata N, Shinoda K (1997) RAPD analysis of genetic relationships among Alstroemeria L. cultivars. Sci Hortic 68:181–189

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Finot VL, Baeza CM, Ruiz E, Toro O, Carrasco P (2018) Towards an integrative taxonomy of the genus Alstroemeria (Alstroemeriaceae) in Chile: a comprehensive review, selected studies in biodiversity, Bülent Şen and Oscar Grillo. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.71823

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Grant V (1991) The evolutionary process. A critical study of evolutionary theory, 2nd edn. Columbia University Press, New York, p 487

    Google Scholar 

  • Han TH, De Jeu M, Van Eck H, Jacobsen E (2000) Genetic diversity of Chilean and Brazilian Alstroemeria species assessed by AFLP analysis. Heredity 84:564–569

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Han T-H, van Eck HJ, De Jeu MJ, Jacobsen E (2002) Mapping of quantitative trait loci involved in ornamental traits in Alstroemeria. HortScience 37(2):585–592

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hang A, Tsuchiya T (1988) Chromosome studies in the genus Alstroemeria II. Chromosome constitutions of eleven additional cultivars. Plant Breed 100:273–279

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hannibal LS (1942) Alstroemeria and Bomarea from seeds. Herbertia 9:183–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Healy WE, Wilkins HF (1982) Reponse of Alstroemeria ‘Regina’ to temperature treatments prior to flower-inducing temperatures. Sci Hortic 17:383–390

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Healy WE, Wilkins HF (1985) Alstroemeria. In: Haley AH (ed) Handbook of flowering 1. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 419–424

    Google Scholar 

  • Healy WE, Wilkins HF (1986) Relationship between rhizome temperatures and shoot temperatures for flower initiation and cut flower production of Alstroemeria ‘Regina’. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 111:94–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hirai M, Kamimura T, Kanno A (2007) The expression patterns of three class B genes in two distinctive whorls of Petaloid Tepals in Alstroemeria ligtu. Plant Cell Physiol 48(2):310–321

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hofreiter A, Rodríguez EF (2006) The Alstroemeriaceae of Peru and neighbouring areas. Rev Peruana Biol 13:5–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoshino Y (2008) Advances in Alstroemeria biotechnology. Flori Ornamentl and Plant Biotech, vol 51. Global Science Books

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoshino Y, Sato H, Murata N, Shinoda K (2000) Genetic transformation of the interspecific hybrid of Alstroemeria via co-cultivation of embryogenic suspension cells with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The Asia Pacific Conference on Plant Tissue Culture and Agribiotechnology, 93 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoshino Y, Igarashi T, Ohshima M, Shinoda K, Murata N, Kanno A, Nakano K (2014) Characterization of CYCLOIDEA-like genesincontrollingfloral zygomorphy. In the monocotyledon Alstroemeria. Sci Hortic 169:6–13

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hunziker JH, Xifreda CC (1990) Chromosome studies in Bomarea and Alstroemeria (Alstroemeriaceae). Darwin 30(1/4):179–183

    Google Scholar 

  • IPGRI (1995) Descriptors for capsicum (Capsicum spp.), IPGRI, ISBN 92-9043-216-0, Via delle Sette Chiese, 142, 00145 Rome, Italy

    Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa T, Takayama T, Ishizaka H, Ishikawa K, Mii M (1997) Production of interspecific hybrids between Alstroemeria ligtu L. hybrid and A. pelegrina L. var. rosea by ovule culture. Breed Sci 47:15–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa T, Takayama T, Ishizaka H (1999) Amphidiploids between Alstroemeria ligtu L. hybrid and A. pelegrina L. var. rosea induced through colchicine treatment and their reproductive characteristics. Sci Hortic 80:235–246

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa T, Takayama T, Ishizaka H, Ishikawa K, Mii M (2001) Production of interspecific hybrids between Alstroemeria pelegrina L. var. rosea and A. magenta Bayer by ovule culture. Euphytica 118:19–27

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jorgensen PM, Nee MH, Beck SG (2014) Catálogo de las plantas vasculares de Bolivia. Monographs in systematic botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden, vol 127. Missouri Botanical Garden Press, pp 1–1744

    Google Scholar 

  • Joung HY, Cantor M, Kamo K (2006) Cryopreservation of Gladiolus cultivars. Acta Hortic 760:225–231

    Google Scholar 

  • Kashihara Y, Hirano T, Murata N, Shinoda K, Araki H, Hoshino Y (2010) Evaluation of pre-fertilization barriers by observation of pollen tube growth and attempts for overcoming post-fertilization barriers in intergeneric hybridization between Alstroemeria and Bomarea by ovule culture. Acta Hortic 855:159–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kashihara Y, Shinoda K, Murata N, Araki H, Hoshino Y (2011) Evaluation of the horticultural traits of genus Alstroemeria and genus Bomarea (Alstroemeriaceae). Turk J Bot 35:239–245

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim JB (2020) Production of transgenic Alstroemeria plants containing virus resistance genes via particle bombardment. J Plant Biotechnol 47:164–171

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim JB, Bergervoet JEM, Raemakers CJJM, Jacobsen E, Visser RGF (2005) Isolation of protoplasts, and culture and regeneration into plants in Alstroemeria. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Plant 41:505–510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kristiansen K, Christensen LP (1998) Allergen contents in Alstroemeria can be reduced by breeding. Euphytica 101:367–375

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee JH, Han TH (2006) Identification of parental species of the Alstroemeria cv. ‘Jubilee’ using AFLP marker technique. Sci Hortic 111:63–67

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leverentz MK, Wagstaff C, Rogers HJ, Stead AD, Chanasut U, Silkowski H, Thomas B, Weichert H, Feussner I, Griffiths G (2002) Characterization of a novel lipoxygenase-independent senescence mechanism in Alstroemeria peruvianafloral tissue. Plant Physiol 130(1):273–283

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lin HS, de Jeu MJ, Jacobsen E (1998) Formation of shoots from leaf axils of Alstroemeria: the effect of the position on the stem. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Cult 52:165–169

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin HS, van der Toorn C, Raemakers KJJM, Visser RGF, de Jeu MJ, Jacobsen E (2000a) Development of a plant regeneration system based on friable embryogenic callus in the ornamental Alstroemeria. Plant Cell Rep 19:529–534

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lin HS, van der Toorn C, Raemakers KJJM, Visser RGF, de Jeu MJ, Jacobsen E (2000b) Genetic transformation of Alstroemeria using particle bombardment. Mol Breed 6:369–377

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lu C, Bridgen MP (1996) Effects of genotype, culture medium, and embryo developmental stage of the in vitro responses from ovule cultures of interspecific hybrids of Alstroemeria. Plant Sci 116:205–212

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lu C, Bridgen MP (1997) Chromosome doubling and fertility study of Alstroemeria aurea X A. caryophyllaea. Euphytica 94:75–81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meerow AW, Tombolato AFC (1996) The Alstroemeria of Itatiaia. Herbertia 51:14–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Muñoz-Schick M, Moreira A (2003) Alstroemerias de Chile. Diversidad, Distribución y Conservación. Taller La Era, 140 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Negritto Maria A, Baeza Carlos M, Eduardo R, Patricio N (2015) Alstroemeria marticorenae (Alstroemeriaceae), a New Species from Central Chile. Syst Bot 40(1):69–74

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olate E, Ly D, Elliott G, Bridgen MP (2000) Influence of the timing of propagation and cold storage on the growth and development of Alstroemeria pot plants. Proc Int Plant Propag Soc 50:379–391

    Google Scholar 

  • Oogaard M, Kristiansen K (1998) Alstroemeria in Chile. Herbertia 53:29–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Park TH, Han I, Kim J (2010) Review on the development of virus resistant plants in Alstroemeria. J Plant Biotechnol 37:370–378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Przybyla A (2000) Mutagenesis in creation of new Alstroemeria genotypes. Acta Hortic 508:351–356

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reed BM (2006) Cryopreservation of Bermuda grass germplasm by encapsulation dehydration. Crop Sci 46(1):6–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruiz E, Balboa K, Negritto MA, Baeza CM, Briceño V (2010) Variabilidad genética y morfológica yestructuración poblacional en Alstroemeria hookeri subsp. hookeri (Alstroemeriaceae), endémica de Chile. Rev Chil Hist Nat 83:605–616

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rustanius P, Hang A, Hughes HG, Tsuchiya T (1991) Chromosome analysis of Alstroemeria ligtu hybrids. HortScience 26(7):902–904

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanso AM (1996) El genero Alstroemeria (Alstroemeriaceae) en Argentina. Darwin 34:349–382

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanso AM, de Assis MC, Xifreda CC (2005) Alstroemeria: a charming genus. Acta Hortic 683:63–77

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schum A (2003) Mutation breeding in ornamentals: an efficient breeding method. Acta Hortic 612:47–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sekizawa K, Yamamoto S, Rafique T, Fukui K, Niino T (2011) Cryopreservation of in vitro-grown shoot tips of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) by vitryfication method using aluminium cryo-plates. Plant Biotechnol 28:401–405

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shinoda K, Murata N (2003) Cross-compatibility in interspecific hybridization of fifteen Alstroemeria species. J Jpn Soc Hortic Sci 72:557–561

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tatsuzawa F, Saito N, Murata N, Shinoda K, Shigihara A, Honda T (2003) 6- Hydroxypelargonidin glycosides in the orange-red flowers of Alstroemeria. Phytochemistry 62:1239–1242

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tsuchiya T, Hang A, Healy WE Jr, Hughes H (1987) Chromosome studies in the genus Alstroemeria. I. Chromosome numbers in 10 cultivars. Bot Gaz 148(3):519–524

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UPOV. International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (2005) Test guidelines – English Version. http://www.upov.int/en/publications/tg-rom/tg_index.htm

  • van Hintum TJL (1996) Core collections in germplasm conservation, evaluation and use. In: Scoles G, Rossnagel B (eds) V International oat conference & VII international barley genetics symposium: proceedings. University Extension Press, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, pp 113–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Verboom H (1979) Alstroemerias and some other flower crops for the future. Sci Hortic 31:33–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Whyte RO (1929) Chromosome studies. I. Relationship of the genera Alstroemeria and Bomarea. New Phytol 28:3119–3344

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICAR-IARI, Katrain, Kullu, HP, India

    Mast Ram Dhiman

  2. UHF, Nauni-Solan, HP, India

    Bharati Kashyap

Authors
  1. Mast Ram Dhiman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bharati Kashyap
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

    S. K Datta

  2. Dept of Floriculture & Landscape Archite, Y.S. Parmer Univ of Horticulture & Fores, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

    Youdh Chand Gupta

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Dhiman, M.R., Kashyap, B. (2021). Alstroemeria: Conservation, Characterization, and Evaluation. In: Datta, S.K., Gupta, Y.C. (eds) Floriculture and Ornamental Plants. Handbooks of Crop Diversity: Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-1554-5_7-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-1554-5_7-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-15-1554-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-15-1554-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Biomedicine and Life SciencesReference Module Biomedical and Life Sciences

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation