HYBRIDIZATION OF FESTUCA SPECIES

Abstract

Within the genus Festuca successful crosses have been made between five species belonging to the sections Ovinae, Bovinae, and Scariosae. These hybrids revealed close affinity among some of the species and in many cases the success of a cross depended upon a compatible genotype. Genetic evidence is presented to account for the morphological variability among some of the species. The role of introgression in the evolution of F. elatior Lin. complex is discussed.