A New Dark Red Graft Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) Cultivar, “Suhong”

A new graft cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) cultivar “Suhong” was developed from a cross between G. mihanovichii cv. “Seolhong” and a line “940623” by in vitro grafting and line selection at National Horticultural Research Institute, Rural Development Administration in 1999. The trials for investigation of characteristics were carried out three times from 2001 to 2003. The color of body and tubercle was dark red. Flat round globe had 8 to 10 ribs with medium depth and looking tender. Spine was medium straight with gray color. Growth was vigorous as to reach 45.4 mm in diameter in ten month after planting. Propagation ability was excellent as to set as many as 12.5 tubercles. Characteristics of the cultivar could be maintained by vegetative propagation, and growers should pay attention to protection from strong sun light and virus infection. The cultivar was applied for a variety protection and was released to commercial growers in 2004.