DRAGON RUBY

The Genetic Architecture of the 'Ruby Dragon' Aster

The breeding work of the Association 'Biotechnika' on the 'Ruby Dragon' project focuses on developing a plant with high petal density and strong peduncles. The variety reflects the expertise of breeders A.N. Kononov and L.G. Krasnikov, aiming to optimize the plant's habit for maximum commercial yield in cut flower production.

Technical Development Parameters

• Vegetation Period: 100–120 days from germination. This mid-to-late cycle requires stable thermal conditions to form a 10–15 cm diameter bloom.
• Bloom Structure: The semi-spherical shape is achieved through the dense arrangement of ray florets, ensuring excellent transportability.
• Habit: The plant height ranges from 50 to 80 cm. This growth range is supported by a robust root system capable of holding heavy blooms without stem deformation.

Practical Application in Agronomy

'Ruby Dragon' demonstrates high adaptability to open-field cultivation. Its primary advantage is a rigid stem that minimizes lodging during heavy winds or rain. In landscape design, it is recommended to maintain proper spacing based on the average bush diameter to ensure sufficient sunlight for full bud maturity. For professional floriculture, the variety offers an extended vase life, a direct result of selective breeding for resistance to biological tissue aging.