Abstract
Hybridization was attempted with ten stem nematode races in 44 different combinations and a total of nearly 900 single crossings, using Melilotus dentatus seedlings as the bridging and occasionally callus tissue and potato tubers. Fertile hybrid populations were obtained in most combinations, but there was a consistent failure in some cases where one combination was successful but the reciprocal one with the same two races failed, producing only eggs which did not hatch. This happened most notably where the lucerne, red clover and white clover races were involved. The significance of these observations is discussed with reference to host specialization and reproductive isolation that approaches the sibling species concept. Host specificity tests indicated that at least some of the hybrid populations combined the host range characteristics of the parental races. No resistance-breaking features were observed among the hybrid nematodes.
Published Version
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