Crossbreeding

(Question)

Hello, this is a dumb question but… I wanna try to crossbreed a white vareity cypress vine with a pink star shape pink morning glory called “kikyo pink”, but im scared the results could be a new and poisonous/dangerous species.. Plus! Do you need to be licensed or something?? :P i wont do anything like that before i know the rules and consequences… Sorry its not so clear…

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master gardeners with your interesting question.

Your white cypress vine, Ipomoea quamoclit and Kikyo pink morning glory, Ipomoea Kikyo pink belong to the same family – Convolulaceae  which has over 500 species.  The white cypress vine is considered invasive and is identified as a weed on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs web site.  This vine could pose a threat to the environment although it has not yet been regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). You can check CFIA’s weed risk analysis at the following site: https://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-pests-invasive-species/invasive-plants/weed-risk-analysis-documents/eng/1427387489015/1427397156216). I would recommend that you experiment with an Ipomoea that is not invasive.  Better yet, try your cross pollination project with plants that are native to Canada.  You would then be sure that any seeds that may escape into the environment do not pose a threat.

Having said that, the following web site describes in detail, including a link to photos, of how to cross pollinate morning glories. https://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/2202859/how-to-hand-pollinate-morning-glories

If the cross pollination is successful and you do indeed harvest viable seeds for planting the next spring, this web site will tell you when and how to harvest seeds and store them over the winter:  https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/morning-glory/collecting-morning-glory-seeds.htm

Collect your seeds carefully and make sure they do not spread beyond your containers. Morning glories are annuals in our climate but spread easily and profusely by seed.

There are indeed regulations regarding plant breeding. There are Plant Breeders’ Rights Regulations  https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-91-594/ Here is a Guide to Plant Breeders’ Rights https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/ip/plantbreeders.html

Plant Breeding is regulated under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Good luck with your project.