Genotypes of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) with High Anther‐Culture Response through Hybridization

Abstract

AbstractAnther‐culture response in Lolium perenne was studied in the hybrid populations from three responsive diploid parent clones to obtain genotypes with superior anther‐culture response through hybridization. Genetic variation for anther‐culture response was significant both within and between the four hybrid families and their parents. A reciprocal effect was indicated for embryo formation and regeneration percentages for one of the cross combinations. Among 55 hybrid clones tested in two environments, 6 clones were identified with an anther‐culture response level superior to their parents. While the parents produced one green plant or less per 100 anthers, these superior clones produced from 11 to 59 green plants/100 anthers, mainly as the result of improved embryo formation and improved percentages of regenerated plants being green. A significant correlation (r = 0.397**) was observed between embryo formation and percentage of green plants. The results are discussed with regard to the possible transfer of anther‐culture response to non‐responsive breeding material through hybridization.