2n pollen in eleven 2x, 2EBN wild species and their haploid x wild species hybrids

Abstract

Sixty-three plants producing 2n pollen were identified among 65 introductions of 11 2x, 2EBN wild species. They were found in 27 of the 65 introductions representing ten of 11 species. The gene frequencies for the allele controlling 2n pollen formation ranged from 0.19 to 0.65. Seventyeight haploid x wild species hybrid families were produced using the previously identified 2n pollen plants as male parents. One hundred and thirty-two plants that produced 2n pollen were identified among the haploid x wild species hybrids at one location and 44 at another. The high number of haploid x wild species hybrids that produced 2n pollen and the large number of hybrids with acceptable pollen stainability demonstrate the potential of the hybrids in 4x × 2x germplasm transfer. Potato breeders can unleash the genetic diversity present in the 2x, 2EBN wild species by screening them for 2n pollen and crossing the 2n pollen producing plants to haploids.