Transfer of resistance to race 2 of Plasmodiophora brassicae from Brassica napus to cabbage (B. oleracea ssp. capitata). III. First backcross and F2 progenies from interspecific hybrids between B. napus and B. oleracea ssp. capitata

Summary The first backcross and F₂ progenies from triploid F₁ and tetraploid F₁ hybrids between B. napus and 2x and 4x B. oleracea ssp. capitata (cabbage) were studied for their general morphology, resistance to race 2 of the clubroot pathogen, chromosome number and meiotic chromosome behavior. No linkage was apparent between resistance and the major morphological characters. Unreduced gametes played a large part in the successful formation of seed of the B₁ and F₂ progeny. B₁ plants with low chromosome numbers were selected for use in recurrent backcrosses. The potential use of anther culture to extract gametic progenies from resistant B₁ and F₂ plants with higher chromosome numbers was suggested. The presence of homoeologous pairing observed in all the plants is considered advantageous for selecting suitable progeny in later generations.