b'Breeding Every Color of the RainbowWhat started as a hobby turned into a breeding program. Now, Texas A&M AgriLifeplant physiologist and breeder Dariusz Malinowski is being recognized for his work inwinter-hardy hibiscus. Alex Martin amartin@issuesink.comIN THE NORTHcentral part of Texas, almost as close to Oklahoma as you can get, theres a little town called Vernon. About three hours away from Oklahoma City and Dallas, Vernon, Texas isnt known for being largein the last census, the population of Vernon listed 11,000 peoplebut, it is known for being vibrant for a slew of reasons. Most recently? Hundreds of winter hardy hibiscuses line Vernons streets as well as businesses. Now, you might expect these winter-hardy hibiscuses to be in the usual colors: white, red and pink. However, Vernon has some special varieties of hibiscuses lining the streetscolors ranging from blue to silver and from maroon to lavender. The Drag, Vernons mainstreet, is usu-ally known for hosting festivals, including the Summers Last Blast, which is a large antique car show for that lasts four to five days, Mayor Doug Jeffrey says. However, theyre working on a new idea. Were excited to see new varie-ties come out of the Texas A&M Agrilife Center, Jeffrey says. When you think of tulips, you think of Holland. Well, I want Vernon to be the place people think of when they think of hibiscuses.These colorful hibiscuses didnt come out of nowherethey were bred with meticulous care, not by a breeder, but by a plant physiologist. Hobby Turned Breeding ProgramI had the opportunity to come to Texas A&M Agrilife on a postdoctoral position in forage agronomy andphysiology, says Dariusz Malinowski, a plant physiologistDariusz Malinowski is a plant physiologist and plant breeder at Texas A&M Agrilife. 18/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2020'