Methods and strategies for detecting Solanum tuberosum dihaploids in interspecific crosses with S. phureja

Abstract

SUMMARYThe frequency of dihaploid production following the interspecific pollination of Solanum tuberosum clones with Solanum phureja has been investigated. Seventeen hybrid combinations were tested and the crosses differed significantly in the number of seed produced, the proportions that were viable and the proportions that were dihaploid. The overall frequency of dihaploid production was 62%. The dominant embryo spot marker of the pollinator (IVP 48) in conjunction with seed diameter was used to classify the seed samples. Number of days taken to germinate was also recorded. It was therefore possible to examine retrospectively the effect of selecting sub‐sets of the seed based on the presence or absence of the embryo spot, seed size and germination time. A seed selection system based on the absence of the embryo spot in conjunction with seed greater than 1.25 mm in diameter resulted in 93.6% of the potential dihaploids being identified.