Research Progress on Molecular Breeding and Application of Clematis Plants

Abstract

Clematis L., a significant genus of climbing plants within the Ranunculaceae family, boasts widespread germplasm resources distributed across temperate to tropical regions globally, with Asia preserving particularly abundant native populations. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in Clematis research: in terms of physiological characteristics, the research focuses on the evolution of plant classification, chromosomal evolutionary features revealed by karyotype analysis, and studies on genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships based on molecular markers; in breeding methods, it summarizes the two major technical systems of sexual and asexual reproduction; regarding ornamental traits, it emphasizes the molecular mechanisms of flower color and form development, and synthesizes breakthroughs in techniques for flowering period regulation and research on the biosynthesis pathways of floral scent metabolites; in the field of stress resistance mechanisms, it thoroughly examines physiological responses and molecular adaptation mechanisms under abiotic stresses such as UV radiation, drought, high temperature, and intense light, and outlines research progress on pathogen types of major diseases; in studies of medicinal value, it highlights the material basis and mechanisms of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor effects. Through multidimensional comprehensive analysis, this review aims to elucidate the comprehensive development potential of Clematis, providing theoretical foundations and practical guidance for germplasm resource innovation, breeding of high-ornamental-value cultivars, and stress resistance applications.

Keywords: Clematis; development; molecular breeding; ornamental character; stress resistance.

Figure 1

Illustrations of Selected Clematis Species and Cultivars. (A) Clematis ‘Stasik’, (B) Clematis ‘Ashva’, (C) Clematis JOSEPHINE ‘Evijohill’, (D) Clematis henryi, (E) Clematis finetiana, (F) Clematis crassifolia, (G) Clematis akoensis, (H) Clematis lanuginosa, (I) Clematis leschenaultiana, (J) Clematis tientaiensis, (K) Clematis cadmia, (L) Clematis hancockiana.