Cytological studies of 2n male gamete formation in sugarcane, Saccharum L.

The germplasm for modern sugarcane cultivars (Saccharum spp. hybrids)has been derived principally from S. officinarum (2n = 80), and S. spontaneum (2n = 40 to 128). Diploid gamete formation has been significant in developing cultivated sugarcane, but the cytological basis for the processes involved is not clearly understood. This research investigated microsporogenesis in nine clones of Saccharum spp. Hybrids and in S. officinarum and S. spontaneum. Diploid gamete formation occurred in all 11 lines, but was least frequent in S. spontaneum and S. officinarum which produced 0.5% and 0.8%2n gametes, respectively. In the hybrid lines, 2n gametes were formed infrequencies ranging from 0.9% to 4.4%. Cytological evidence was obtained for dyad and triad formation during microsporogenesis. Detailed analysis of chromosome behaviour at meiosis indicated that 2n male gamete formation is probably attributable to the absence of cytokinesis rather than a combination of asynchrony and non-disjunction. The clones were ranked on the basis of the frequencies with which they formed 4 × 1n microspores and the data were analysed using χ ² tests for homogeneity. These established that theSaccharum spp. hybrids could be designated as either ‘high’ or ‘low’ frequency haploid gamete producers. Conversely, the latter group, which formed diploid gametes most frequently (2.2%–4.4%), can be described as high frequency diploid gamete producers. The identification of clones most frequently forming diploid gametes may facilitate the more rapid recovery of desirable sugarcane genotypes because such clones could be selected for preferential use in clonal improvement. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Detection of cross over genotype × environment interactions in pearl millet

Summary Somaclonal variation from a partially sterile intergeneric hybrid was obtained for sugarcane improvement and for understanding phylogeny. Over 1,000 somaclones were regenerated from callus cultures of intergeneric hybrid clone H83-9998 (2n = ca. 94) involving H62-4671 (Saccharum spp. hybrid, 2n = ca. 115) x 28NG7 (Erianthus arundinaceum, 2n = 60) as parents. One hundred twenty-six somaclones were selected on the basis of observed morphological variation and planted in large plots with the original hybrid and its parental clones for detailed studies. Data were collected for stalk (number, length, diameter), leaf (length, width) and sucrose characters. Obvious variations in dewlap shape, leaf and stalk colors, leaf angle, rhizome habit, and pollen fertility, as well as date of flowering, were recorded. Chromosome and isozyme analyses were conducted to confirm that the observed phenotypic variation among somaclones had a genetic basis. Chromosome numbers of somaclones selected on the basis of phenotypic variation ranged from 2n = 66 to 2n = 109. With isozyme analysis, 1 to 4 band variations in three systems (peroxidase, phosphoglucomutase, and phosphoglucoisomerase) were found. Significant genetic variance estimates (G²/P²) and genetic CVs (6.7–25.6%) indicate that the differences observed among somaclonal variants would likely remain stable in additional asexually propagated cycles. Yield was estimated from stalk volume x refractometer solids, and 9 out of 126 somaclones produced higher estimates yield than the hybrid. One somaclone showed estimated yield that was not significantly different from the Saccharum parent.Published as Paper No. 737 in the Journal Series of the Experiment Station, Hawaiian Sugar Planter's Association, Aiea, HI 96701.     

Colchine-induced aneuploids from cell culture of sugarcane

Summary Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) clones are amenable to gross chromosome manipulation due to their high polyploid nature (2n=100–120). This study was conducted to analyze the effects on plant morphology of altering chomosome number via callus culture. Callus cultures from clone H69-9092 were established, and plants were regenerated following colchicine treatment of cultured cells. Cytological analysis showed that variant somaclones were aneuploids with a wide range in chromosome numbers (2n=66–196). Some 22 visually distinct somaclones were planted in 1.35 m² plots with five replications to compare morphological and quality characteristics with H69-9092 at 8 months of growth. Extreme morphological variation was observed between somaclones, but coefficients of variation for quality factors-fibers %, refractometer solids %, pol %, and juice purity-and stomatal length were smaller than those for morphological traits associated with stalk volume and leaf area. Significant negative correlations were found between chromosome number and most morphological traits, e.g., stalk length (r=-0.58), number (r=-0.69), diameter (r=-0.54) and volume (r=-0.65); internode length (r=-0.57); and leaf area (r=-0.48). A positive correlation was found between chromosome number and stomatal length (r=-0.66). No significant correlations were found between chromosome number and quality factors. Aneuploids with higher than parental chromosome number had reduced growth. However, depression in growth was generally not observed in somaclones lower in chromosome number than the parent.Published with the approval of the Director as Paper No. 598 in the Journal Series of the Experiment Station, Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association.     

Stabilization of new types of diploids (2n=22, 24) through selfing of aneuploids (2n=21, 22) derived from crossing of sesquidiploids (2n=29, AAC) and Brassica campestris (2n=20 AA)

Summary Aneuploids with 2n=21 and 2n=22 derived from crossing of sesquidiploids (2n=29, AAC) and Brassica campestris (2n=20, AA) were selfed successively in order to follow the changes in chromosome number of the progenies for three consecutive generations. Progenies with 2n=22, 23 and 24 obtained after selfing of S₀ generation and the succeeding S₁, S₂ and S₃ generations were analyzed in terms of pollen stainability, % seed set as well as cytogenetically based on meiotic behaviour with the aim of determining the possibility of addition of one or more alien chromosomes into n=10 species which may lead to differentiation of single or plural disomic addition lines. The generation of aneuploids with 2n=21 progressed in such a way that most plants seem to revert to the 2n=20 chromosome number of B. campestris after selfing. From 2n=22 aneuploids, however, the succeeding progenies showed high frequency of plants with two additional chromosomes which accounted for 50.6% and 52.9% of total S₃ progenies via 2n=22 and 2n=24 S₂ generations, respectively. The meiotic behaviour of these progenies indicated evidence for a rule governing the frequency distribution of chromosome number among these addition lines and high possibility to breed such disomic plants with 2n=22. A method of selecting stable aneuploids was suggested in addition to the possible role of pollination biology at various processes of such breeding program.     

Genome discrimination and chromosome pairing in the Hordeum chilense × Aegilops tauschii amphiploid

Tritordeum (X Tritordeum Ascherson et Graebner) is a synthetic amphiploid belonging to the Triticeae tribe, which resulted from crosses between Hordeum chilense and wheat. It presents useful agronomic traits that could be transferred to wheat, widening its genetic basis. In situ hybridisation with total genomic DNA from H. chilense and cloned, repetitive DNA sequences (pTa71 and pAs1) probes were used to discriminate the parental origin of all chromosomes, to analyse the chromosome pairing and to identify the chromosomes in pollen mother cells (PMCs) at metaphase I of the tritordeum line HT251 (H^chH^chDD, 2n = 4x = 28). The H. chilense total genomic DNA and the ribosomal sequence pTa71 probes, allowed the unequivocal discrimination of the 14 chromosomes of H^ch genome-origin and the 14 chromosomes of D genome-origin. Chromosome pairing analysis revealed meiotic irregularities such as reduced percentage of PMCs with complete homologous pairing, high frequency of univalents, most of H. chilense-origin and a reduced frequency of intragenomic multivalents from both genomes. The H. chilense genome revealed high meiotic instability. After individual chromosome identification at metaphase I with the pAs1 probe, we found the occurrence of pairing between chromosomes of different homoeology groups. The possible interest of the tetraploid tritordeum in the improvement of other Triticeae species is also discussed.     

Chromosome numbers and microsporogenesis in Brachiaria brizantha (Gramineae)

The genus Brachiaria, native to the African tropical savannas, has achieved significance as a pasture grass in many tropical and subtropical countries, including Brazil. Many species and accessions are polyploid and apomictic, which complicates the improvement of breeding stocks through hybridization. In support of breeding programs, cytogenetic characterization, including chromosome counts and evaluation of the meiotic behavior in the accessions of the Brachiaria has been undertaken at the Embrapa Beef Cattle Center. In this study, 22 accessions of B. brizantha were analyzed of which one was found to be diploid (2n = 2x = 18), 18 were tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36) and three were hexaploid (2n = 6x = 54). The meiotic chromosome behavior was slightly irregular in the diploid and in some tetraploid accessions, and highly irregular in most tetra- and hexaploid accessions. Meiotic abnormalities were those common to polyploidy, i.e., multivalent chromosome association at diakinesis and irregular chromosome segregation leading to micronuclei formation in the tetrad stage. Low frequencies of multivalent chromosome associations among polyploids suggest that they may be segmental allopolyploids. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic diversity among wild sugarcane germplasm from Laos revealed with markers

A group of 35 wild Saccharum complex clones, collected in Laos(ECL), was studied for its nuclear genetic diversity by RFLP revealed by 10dispersed low copy probes. Representatives of the main germplasmdiversity, regularly used in introgression, were also included. A preliminarycharacterisation of the new clones was performed by Erianthus specificprimers. A set of the 11 ECL clones most outstanding for their diseaseresistance and vigor and basic germplasm members were also characterisedby 9 cytoplasmic probes. Nuclear diversity evidenced that ECL clonesrepresented an independent genetic pool consisting at least of 3 differentgroups. A group of bands was exclusively exhibited by ECL clones. Theoccurrence of genetic recombination among them was suggested by thepresence of the new bands in 2 or 3 clonal groups. Erianthus specificamplification was positive for 7 ECL clones from different nuclear groups.Dendrogram analysis based on cytoplasmic diversity divided genotypes into2 major cytoplasmic types comprising 5 groups. The ECL clones separatedin 2 distinct groups: one located in the same cytoplasmic type as Erianthus clones; the other one, in an intermediate position, closer to Saccharum species. Basic clones groups were consistent with theirtaxonomic classification. The diversity revealed by nuclear singlecopy/nuclear repetitive/cytoplasmic patterns of the ECL germplasmcontrasts with what is usually observed and points to an active populationevolution. Further studies needed to confirmed this hypothesis arediscussed.     

Characterization of morphological variation and cold resistance in interspecific somatic hybrids between potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and S. brevidens Phil.

Summary Somatic hybrids between Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Gracia (2n=4x=48) and Solanum brevidens Phil. (2n=2x=24) were produced via fusion of mesophyll protoplasts. Selection of the protoplast derived putative hybrid calli was based on their vigorous growth. Additive isozyme patterns and chromosome numbers as well as the expression of parental morphological characters have proved the hybrid origin of the selected regenerants. Extensive chromosome loss during the regeneration process resulted in aneuploid hybrids with high frequency. Genomic instability could not be detected in these plants during the period of vegetative propagation. Regenerants from hybrid tissues exhibited wide morphological variation especially in tuber formation. The detailed morphological analysis based on the use of multivariate method (principal component analysis, PCA) enabled to identify morphological groups among the hybrid clones. The positioning of hybrid clones in the PCA space could not be correlated with chromosome numbers. The genomic ratio represented by the tetraploid and diploid parents influenced the morphology of somatic hybrid population according to the applied analytical system. Two selected hybrid clones have exhibited an intermediate degree of frost tolerance compared to the parents, based on the recovery of plants from lower buds after freezing of potted plants.     

Intergeneric hybrid between Brassica napus and Diplotaxis harra through ovary culture and the cytogenetic analysis of their progenies

Brassica napus (2n = 38) and Diplotaxis harra (2n = 26) were used to investigate gene transfer from D. harra to B. napus. Intergeneric F₁ hybrids (dihaploid 2n = 32 chromosomes) were obtained through ovary culture. The chromosome associations in the first meiotic division was (0–2)_III + (2–10)_II + (12–28)_I. Many seeds were harvested in the F₁ hybrid after backcrossing with B. napus, and from open pollination of the F₁ hybrid. Somatic chromosome numbers of BC₁ and hybrid plants varied from 2n = 26 to 52. In the first meiotic division, high frequencies of bivalent association and relatively low pollen fertility were observed. BC₂ plants generated from the BC₁ plants with 2n = 38 chromosomes, 69.6% showed 2n = 38 chromosomes. Many aneuploids with addition and deletion of chromosomes were also obtained. A bridge plant between B. napus and D. harra with 2n = 32 chromosomes should be valuable material for the breeding of brassica crops.     

Breeding for hard red winter wheat cultivars adapted to conventional-till and no-till systems in northern latitudes

Summary Monosomic alien addition lines combining individual F. drymeja chromosomes and the L. multiflorum complement were isolated from the cross between the triploid hybrid L. multiflorum (4x) × F. drymeja (2x) and diploid L. multiflorum (2x). Chromosome pairing in the addition lines was studied at metaphase 1 of meiosis and the relationship between single F. drymeja chromosomes and the corresponding homologous pair in L. multiflorum is discussed. Trivalent frequency in the addition lines was higher than expected from observations of chromosome pairing in the triploid hybrid and there were differences between lines in the number of trivalent associations formed. There is some evidence to suggest that trivalent frequency is not entirely dependent on chromosome length and that transmission of the alien chromosome in the female is dependent on the size of the added chromosome. Morphological studies were made to assess the phenotypic effects of the addition of single F. drymeja chromosomes to the L. multiflorum complement. Two plants (2n=14) with recombination between a L. multiflorum and a F. drymeja chromosome were identified.     

Occurrence of 2n and jumbo pollen in the Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata and P. tuberosa)

An analysis of microsporogenesis was carried out in four populations of Pfaffia tuberosa (2n=4x=68) and in ten populations of P. glomerata(2n=2x=34). Monads, dyads and triads were reported at high frequency in all populations of P. tuberosa. In P. glomerata, on the other hand, only four populations presented monads, and at low frequency. Dyads and triads were observed in both species, albeit at a higher frequency in P. tuberosa populations. Certain abnormalities of spindles in the second division, such as sequential and tripolar spindles, led to triad formation by the rejoining of two chromosome sets. The precise causes of monad and dyad formation have not been found during meiosis, although evidence exists that dyads originated by omission of second meiosis and monads by omission of both meiotic divisions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The origin of Darwin hybrid tulips analyzed by flow cytometry, karyotype analyses and genomic in situ hybridization

Chromosome morphology was studied in diploid cultivars of Tulipa fosteriana and T. gesneriana (2n = 2x = 24) and triploid Darwin hybrids (2n = 3x = 36) developed from interspecific crosses of T. gesneriana and T. fosteriana. Chromosomes were arranged in the karyotype according to decreasing total length. Based on our karyotypic analysis, we propose that median chromosomes may serve as markers for diploid genotypes. Discriminant analysis with respect to total chromosome length and short arm length showed a significant difference between the size of the larger median chromosomes of T. gesneriana and T. fosteriana Comparison of median chromosome length in Darwin hybrid tulips showed that two larger chromosomes and one smaller chromosome were derived from T. gesneriana and T. fosteriana, respectively. This finding was clearly and unambiguously confirmed by simultaneous hybridization of differentially labeled genomic probes of T. fosteriana and T. gesneriana to metaphase chromosomes of the triploid cultivar ‘Yellow Dover’, thereby enabling us to distinguish between the 24 chromosomes derived from T. gesneriana and 12 chromosomes derived from T. fosteriana. Thus, genomic in situ hybridization and median chromosome analyses can be useful to identify the genome constitution of triploid Darwin hybrid tulips. In addition, their hybridity was readily verified by flow cytometry using vegetative tissue of Darwin hybrid tulips. Our results clarify the process of Tulipa cultivar formation and will be useful for interspecific hybridization breeding.The first and second author have contributed equally to this paper     

Cytology and reproductive behavior of diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid germplasm accessions of a wild forage grass: Paspalum compressifolium

Summary Fourteen germplasm accessions of Paspalum compressifolium native from southern Brazil were cytologically and embryologically analysed. The study revealed that one accession was diploid (2n=20), twelve were tetraploid (2n=40) and one was hexaploid (2n=60). This is the first report of diploid and hexaploid cytotypes for this species. Studies on microsporogenesis, megasporogenesis, and embryo sac development indicated that the diploid cytotype had regular meiotic behavior and reproduces sexually. Tetraploid cytotype usually had an important proportion of chromosomes that associated as quadrivalents during meiosis and reproduced by mean of aposporous apomixis. The hexaploid cytotype showed irregular meiotic behavior with about one third of the chromosomes associated as multivalents and reproduced by aposporous apomixis. Thus, P. compressifolium could be an agamic complex. Breeding in this complex is possible due to the presence of diploid sexuals which can be treated by colchicine and pollinated by apomicts.     

Production of 27-, 28-, and 56-chromosome apomictic hybrid derivatives between pearl millet (2n=14) and Pennisetum squamulatum (2n=54)

Summary An interspecific hybridization program designed to transfer gene(s) controlling apomixis from Pennisetum squamulatum Fresen. (2n=6x=54) to induced tetraploid (2n=4x=28) cultivated pearl millet, Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke resulted in four offtype plants, two with 27 chromosomes and two with 28 chromosomes. These plants were found among 217 spaced plants established from open-pollinated seed of an apomictic 21-chromosome polyhaploid (2n=21) plant derived from an apomictic interspecific hybrid (2n=41) between tetraploid pearl millet and Pennisetum squamulatum. It appeared that a 21- (or 20-) chromosome unreduced egg from the apomictic polyhaploid united with a 7-chromosome pearl millet (2n=2x=14) gamete to produce a 28- (or 27-) chromosome offspring. Meiotic chromosome behavior was irregular averaging from 3.60 to 4.05 bivalents per microsporocyte in the 27- and 28-chromosome hybrids. The 27- or 28-chromosome hybrids, like the 21-chromosome female parent, shed no pollen, but set from 1.8 to 28 seed per panicle when allowed to outcross with pearl millet. Progeny of the 28-chromosome hybrids were uniform and identical to their respective female parents, indicating that apomixis had been effectively transferred through the egg. In addition, a 56-chromosome plant resulting from chromosome doubling of a 28-chromosome hybrid was identified. Pollen was 68 per cent stainable and the plant averaged 2.3 selfed seeds per panicle. Chromosomes of the 56-chromosome plant paired as bivalents (x=10.67) or associated in multivalents. Three to nine chromosomes remained unpaired at metaphase I. Multiple four-nucleate embryo sacs indicated the 56-chromosome hybrid was an obligate apomict. The production of 27-, 28-, and 56-chromosome hybrid derivatives were the results of interspecific hybridization, haploidization, fertilization of unreduced apomictic eggs, and spontaneous chromosome doubling. These mechanisms resulted in new unique genome combinations between x=7 and x=9 Pennisetum species.     

Production and cyto-morphological analysis of intergeneric hybrids of Sorghum × Saccharum

Four intergeneric hybrids were produced by crossing sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, 2n =20] as a female parent with sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L., 2n = 112). The hybrids were morphologically similar to the sugarcane parent, but lacked vegetative vigour. Sorghum characters present in the hybrids included soft texture of the leaves, tight clasping of the leaf sheaths, presence of aerial roots and triangular ligule. All the hybrids were highly susceptible to natural incidence of mites. Somatic chromosome number of the hybrids ranged from 2n = 62–66, indicating n+n transmission. This is the first report of Sorghum × Saccharum hybrids with sorghum cytoplasm. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Interspecific hybrids between helianthus PetiolarisNutt. and H. Annuus L.: Effect of backcrossing on meiosis

Summary Interspecific substitutions of the nucleus of Helianthus annuus (2n=34) into the cytoplasm of H. petiolaris (2n=34) were obtained by successive backcrossing using cultivated sunflower, H. annuus, as the recurrent pollen parent.Meiosis in the F₁ was characterized by multivalents, suggesting that 10 of the 34 chromosomes were heterozygous for chromosomal interchanges. An additional pair of chromosomes also contained a paracentric inversion. Continued backcrossing resulted in rapid elimination of the meiotic aberrations evident in the F₁. In the BC₁, 1 of 11 plants had normal meiosis and by the BC₂, only 13 of 54 plants had meiotic aberrations similar to those of the F₁. However, trisomic progeny (2n=35) were found in 3 of the 11 BC₁ plants and 20 of the 54 BC₂ plants. No meiotic aberrations were observed in BC₃ or BC₄ plants. Plants with indehiscent anthers, and considered to be male sterile (M.S.), first occurred in the BC₁ and, by the BC₂, 51 of 54 plants were M.S. All 19 BC₃ and 16 BC₄ plants were M.S. Preliminary investigations suggest that the pollen from such plants is sterile and that the sterility is cytoplasmic rather than genetic.Disc-flower measurements were a useful technique for selecting samples at the correct stage of microsporogenesis, but could not be used to distinguish between successive backcrosses.     

Problems in breeding and cytology of sugar cane

In this article a survey is given of interspecific crossing in Saccharum leading to sugar cane forms with chromosome numbers on a level of 2n=about 160.Breeding for immunity in sugar cane, in Java practised since 1893, led in the twenties to sugar cane forms, in which resistance to diseases was attended by a very high sugar yield. These canes, belonging to the so-called third and fourth Saccharum spontaneum nobilisation with chromosome numbers of 2n=about 100 to 120, formed the starting point in 1925 of a step-by-step crossing procedure leading to sugar cane clones third nobilisation new style with chromosome numbers that in comparison with 2n=80 of Saccharum officinarum could be regarded as tetraploids.In 1938, when such sugar cane forms with 2n=about 160 were created in a comparative large number of cases, the author projected a six-year plan for the years 1939–1944 with the purpose of obtaining such plants in very large numbers from numerous cross combinations. This was necessary since the best clones resulting from it had to be compared with the best clones of the third nobilisation old style, themselves being products of a large number of crossing experiments covering many years. This six-year plan was never fulfilled in consequence of the second world war.The fact remains, however, that during the years 1925–1939 in Saccharum polyploidy breeding was executed without the aid of colchicine, resulting in well developed plants with 2n=about 160 chromosomes. Several plants of the first nobilisation¹) n.s. with such chromosome numbers even could be called giants.As result of this investigation it ought to be mentioned also that plants with 180 to 220 chromosomes without exception were poor plants. In these cases the optimum chromosome number must have been surpassed.     

New interspecific hybrids in the genus Agropyron

Summary Fifteen species from the genus Agropyron were crossed together. Fourteen of the crosses did not produce fruits. Twenty crosses produced varying numbers of caryopses. Of the fruits produced, 22% contained no embryos. For a variety of reasons it was possible to obtain only 2 plants from the remaining 140 embryos. The crosses which yielded viable plants were between A. trachycaulum cv. Primar (2n=28) and A. intermedium cv. Chief (2n=42) as well as between A. trachycaulum from Lethbridge (2n=28) and A. desertorum cv. Nordan (2n=28). The somatic chromosome numbers for the hybrids are 37 and 28. respectively. Studies of vegetative plant character are presented.     

Production of intergeneric hybrids between Brassica juncea and Diplotaxis virgata through ovary culture, and the cytology and crossability of their progenies

The cytogenetic study was investigated in the intergeneric F₁ hybrid, F₂and backcross progenies (BC₁). The plants used were Brassica juncea(2n=36) and Diplotaxis virgata(2n=18). Three intergeneric F₁ hybrids between two species were produced through ovary culture. They showed 36 chromosomes. It might consist one genome of B. juncea and two genomes of D. virgata. The morphology of the leaves resembled that of B. juncea. The color of the petals was yellow that was like in D. virgata. The size of the petal was similar to that of B. juncea. The mean pollen fertility was15.3% and the chromosome associations in the first meiotic division were(0–1)_IV+(0–2)_III+(8–12)_II+(12–20)_I. Many F₂ and BC₁seeds were harvested after open pollination and backcross of the F₁ hybrids withB. juncea, respectively. The F₂seedlings showed different chromosome constitutions and the range was from 28 to54 chromosomes. Most seedlings had 38chromosomes followed by 36, 40 and 54. The BC₁ seedlings also showed different chromosome constitutions and the range was from 29 to 62. Most seedlings had both 40and 54 chromosomes followed by 36, 46 and52. In the first meiotic division of F₂ and BC₁ plants, a high frequency of bivalent associations was observed in all the various kinds of somatic chromosomes. Many F₃ and BC₂ seeds were obtained by self-pollination and open pollination of both F₂ and BC₁ plants, and by backcrossing both F₂ and BC₁plants with B. juncea, respectively,especially, three type progeny with 36, 40or 54 chromosomes. The somatic chromosomes of the F₃ and BC₂ plants were further investigated. The bridge plants between B. juncea and D. virgata with 36 chromosomes may be utilized for breeding of other Brassica crops as well as B. juncea. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Cytomorphological studies in an intergeneric hybrid between Gossypium hirsutum L. (2n=52) and Hibiscus panduraeformis Burm.

Summary An intergeneric hybrid (2n=38) between Gossypium hirsutum L. (2n=52) × Hibiscus panduraeformis Burm. (2n=24) was obtained by pollinating about 2000 flower buds of G. hirsutum var. Gregg Male Sterile with pollen from H. panduraeformis. The F₁ hybrid was intermediate in plant habit, but possessed gossypol glands and nectaries on the leaves, bolls containing seeds with fuzz and lint as dominant characters of G. hirsutum. Flowers with yellow corolla and anthers; purple petal spot, profuse growth of epidermal hairs on all plant parts including the boll sutures, and jassid tolerance were dominant characters of H. panduraeformis. The partial fertility of the F₁ indicated the possibilities of combining jassid and drought tolerance of H. panduraeformis with the desired economic characters of G. hirsutum for rainfed cultivation.The F₁ hybrid showed various meiotic irreguarities and about 40% pollen sterility. Formation of the normal bivalents occurred quite frequently suggesting a close relationship between the parental species. The sterility observed in the hybrid may be due to small structural differences between the chromosomes of the two genera and meiotic abnormalities.