Production, morphology, and cytogenetics of Triticum aestivum (L.) Thell × Elymus scabrus (R. Br.) Love intergeneric hybrids obtained by in ovulo embryo culture.
Intergeneric hybrids were produced between common wheat, Triticum aestivum (2n=6x=42, AABBDD), and an apomictic Triticeae species, Elymus scabrus (syn. Agropyron scabrum) (2n=6x=42, HHSSSS), the first successful report of this cross. Nine tiny, underdeveloped, and structureless embryos were obtained in vitro only by in ovulo embryo culture at 4 days after pollination, which gave rise to five mature hybrid plants. All the hybrid plants were vigorous and possessed a phenotype intermediate to the two parents. There were 2n=6x=42 (ABDHSS) somatic chromosomes in the hybrids. There was little or no homology between the parental genomes, as shown by an overall meiotic chromosome association of 32.83 I + 4.08 rod II + 0.21 ring II + 0.18 III + 0.02 IV. The hybrids were completely sterile and so far backcrosses to wheat parent have not been successful. Alternate approaches to induce gene transfer(s) from E. scabrus to wheat are being attempted.
Agriculture Canada, Research Station, 2560 boul. Hochelaga, Sainte-Foy, G1V 2J3, Quebec, Canada.
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Ahmad
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Comeau