UK Catalogue Morel 2022-23

18 I The Morel family has been growing cyclamen since 1919. They start in 1945 the breeding of cyclamen varieties in the south of France (Mediterranean climate). This climate is characteristically hot with intense daylight and sizable fluctuations in rainfall. Long very dry spells alternate with brief intervals of heavy rainfall. These climatic factors all affect how cyclamen are grown in various ways (temperature, light and hydric stress). The cyclamen’s natural defences against these stresses take the following forms: • Larger sized first leaves when the plant grows at an ADT of over 25°C (77°F) • Slowing or halting of root development and plant growth • Delayed flowering by up to six weeks • Fading of colours Combining tworesistant parental lines results in F1 Hybrids that are SUPER RESISTANT! Years of research combined to this breeding pressure narrowed parental lines down to those with unique genetic traits. (Vigour, heat tolerance, intense light tolerance, vivid colours). The inherent vigour of hybrids allows growers to grow crops under stressful conditions while ensuring a quality end product. The stems are robust even when growing in very shady conditions. Varieties that do not tolerate heat are automatically removed. What happens when varieties bred in the South of France are grown in a Northern climate ? • Sharp reduction in average growing times • More intense colours than usual • Reduction in flowering time windows, with late bloomers catching up to early ones • Smaller leaves • Larger flowers • Rounder, more compact plants • More robust plants in greenhouses, retail and at the consumer • Higher outdoor performance Global warming is opening up new prospects for cyclamen in more northerly regions by lengthening the period of good quality flowering in autumn. MOREL CYCLAMEN, HEAT TOLERANCE IS IN OUR DNA