Intergeneric hybrids and an amphiploid between Elymus canadensis and Psathyrostachys juncea

Summary Fifty four hybrid plants between Elymus canadensis and Psathyrostachys juncea were obtained by handpollination and embryo culture. The average cross compatibility between both species was 31.2 percent. One amphiploid plant was induced by colchicine treatment. The hybrid and amphiploid plants resembled P. juncea in appearance but showed a higher plant height and dry matter yield than the parents. The hybrids showed extremely low pollen stainability and were completely sterile. With the exception of one plant (2n=3x+1=22), all hybrid plants were allotriploids (SHN, 2n=3x=21). The amphiploid plant (SSHHNN, 2n=6x=42) showed 58.9% pollen stainability and 11.6% seed fertility.Mean chromosome associations of the hybrids and amphiploid at metaphase I were 0.02IV+0.06III+2.03II+16.91I and 0.07III+18.00II+5.85I, respectively. Lagging chromosomes, chromosome bridges, abnormal cytokinesis, and micronuclei were occasionally observed at the anaphase, telophase, or tetrad stage.