A method is disclosed for creating and utilizing genetic male-sterile Catharanthus for hybrid periwinkle production. The method makes use of a mutated male sterility allele which suppresses pollen production in otherwise fertile plants. Individual plants expressing the male sterility factor are incapable of self pollination and can be used as female parents in hybrid seed production. Methods are disclosed for transferring this system into any inbred line of interest for use in hybrid seed production in Catharanthus.
