Cytological observation on the effects of pollen irradiation in diploid and polyploid crops

Abstract

A preliminary study of the effects of pollen irradiation on the cytology of subsequent generations has been conducted on crosses within three crop groups: brassica, barley and potatoes. The hybrid chromosome complement of progeny from an interspecific cross in brassica supports previous observations (in Nicotiana and wheat) of a conventional fertilisation event following poilen irradiation. Cytological examination of Ml mitosis in brassica and potatoes revealed the frequent occurrence of aneuploidy and structural rearrangements. However, aneuploidy was not found in barley and the structural re-arrangements detected were less frequent and less extensive than reported in other species. Mitosis and meiosis of Ml and M2 generations of barley were screened for aberrations. Fertility of the Ml was reduced but was restored in the M2 of plants which were not carrying a translocation. © The Genetical Society of Great Britain.