Brassica napocampestris L. (2n=58). 1. Synthesis,cytology, fertility and general considerations

Summary The synthesis of leafy, forage forms of Brassica napocampestris (2n=58, aaaacc) by colchicine treatment of hybrids between B. napus (2n=38, aacc) and B. campestris (2n=20, aa) is described.The cytology of both triploid and hexaploid hybrids was studied. B. napocampestris proved fairly stable meiotically although multivalents were formed and some aneuploids detected in later generations. Seed fertility proved adequate for commercial production.The variation within the parental species and their easy crossability suggests that several distinct forms of B. napocampestris could be created, some of which may have agronomic potential. B. napocampestris may be used as a stepping stone in elaborating the range of variability within B. napus.