Chromosomal distribution of genes in diploid Elytrigia elongata that promote or suppress pairing of wheat homoeologous chromosomes

Abstract

Triticum aestivum L. lines with added or substituted chromosomes of Elytrigia elongata (Host) Nevski were hybridized with Hordeum bulbosum L. to obtain haploids and with Triticum urartu Thum. to obtain interspecific hybrids. Chromosome pairing at metaphase I was investigated in the resulting haploids and hybrids and the parental addition and substitution lines. Genes that promoted pairing of homologous or homoeologous chromosomes were found on chromosome arms 3ES, 3EL, 4ES, 5Ep, and chromosome 6E of E. elongata. Genes that suppressed pairing of homoeologous chromosomes were found on chromosome arms 4EL and 7Eq. It is concluded that genes promoting or suppressing pairing of homoeologous chromosomes are ubiquitous among diploid species. Key words: wheat, Triticum, wheatgrass, Elytrigia elongata, heterogenetic pairing, chromosome pairing, pairing promotion, pairing suppression.