INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATION IN THE GENUS LOTUS

Abstract

Compatibility relation-ships of the following Lotus species and derived autotetraploids were studied utilizing embryo culture techniques: L. corniculatus (2x=24), diploid L. tenuis (2x=12), autotetraploid L. tenuis (4x=24), diploid L. uliginosus (2x=12), autotetraploid L. uliginosus (4x=24) and L. corniculatus var. japonicus (2x=12). The self-compatible groups, L. uliginosus and L. corniculatus var japonicus, when used as the female parent, gave the greatest number of embryos which could be cultured. Three new interspecific hybrids were obtained: 2x L. uliginosus x 2x L. tenuis, 2x L. uliginosus x L. corniculatus, and 4x L. uliginosus x L. corniculatus, with 12, 18, and 24 somatic chromosomes respectively. The hybrids and parent taxa were compared with respect to fertility and the following morphological characteristics: leaf width, length, and width: length ratio; stomata; flowers per inflorescence; and standard petal length, width, and length: width ratio.