Cytogenetics and reproductive behavior of 48-chromosome pearl millet x Pennisetum squamulatum derivatives

Journal Article · · Crop Science; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1990.0011183X003000050012x· OSTI ID:5852640

Dujardin, M; Hanna, W W

Pennisetum squamulatum Fresen is a perennial, hexaploid (2n = 6x = 54) species belonging to the tertiary gene pool of cultivated pearl millet (P. glaucum (L.) R. Br.). Pennisetum squamulatum is a source of genes controlling apomixis, and useful genetic variability can be released in hybrids between sexual pearl millet and apomictic species. New genome combinations were produced between tetraploid pearl millet (2n = 4x = 28) and P. squamulatum by pollinating a sexual interspecific F{sub 1} hybrid (2n = 41) with an apomictic 56-chromosome derivative from another F{sub 1} interspecific hybrid (2n = 41). Fifteen hybrids with 2n = 47 or 48 chromosomes resulted from the crosses. All were perennial and morphologically similar to or taller than their parents, showed irregular metaphase I chromosome behavior, and were partially male and female fertile. Nine plants reproduced sexually, two by facultative apomixis, and four by obligate apomixis. This cross allowed the increase of the pearl millet genome in the new hybrids while introducing apomictic reproduction into several genotypes.

• OSTI ID: 5852640
• Journal Information: Crop Science; (USA), Journal Name: Crop Science; (USA) Vol. 30:5; ISSN 0011-183X; ISSN CRPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

553000* -- Agriculture & Food Technology
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
BIOLOGY
CEREALS
GENETIC VARIABILITY
GENETICS
GRASS
HYBRIDIZATION
LILIOPSIDA
MAGNOLIOPHYTA
MILLET
PLANT BREEDING
PLANTS
REPRODUCTION