Chromosome association and fertility in hybrids of Iris laevigata Fisch. x I. ensata Thunb.

Summary Chromosome association at MI of PMCs in hybrids of I. laevigata x I. ensata was examined and compared with that of parental species. The mean chromosome association per cell in the parental species was 0.02_I+11.99_II for I. ensata (Kachô, 2n=24), 0.11_I+15.94_II and 0.15_I+15.92_II for I. laevigata (Yukidôrô and wild type, 2n=32), respectively. On the other hand, the mean chromosome association per cell in the hybrids (2n=28) was 20.22_I+3.88_II+0.0046_IV for Yukidôrô × Kachô and 20.92_I+3.54_II for wild type × Kachô. Thus, the hybrids indicated a low homology between I. ensata and I. laevigata, and did not exhibit pollen and seed fertility. The utility of the hybrids was discussed.