A New Orange Graft Cactus (Gymnocalycium schickendantzii × G. mihanovichii) Cultivar, “Geoseong”

A new graft cactus (Gymnocalycium schickendantzii × G. mihanovichii) cultivar “Geoseong” was developed from a interspecific crossing between a green G. schickendantzii and G. mihanovichii line “950222” 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 tubercles was light orange. Flat round globe had 8 to 10 ribs with deep depth and uneven edge. Spine was medium straight with brown color. Growth was vigorous as reach 59.8 mm in diameter in ten month after planting. Propagation ability was bad as set 4.7 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