Secale Montanum Research Articles

Assessment of the Suitability of Flour Obtained from Mountain Rye Grain Milling and the Method of Dough Fermentation for the Production of Rye Bread.

Currently, there is an increase in consumer interest in food produced from raw materials from organic farming, which has an impact on the greater attention paid to the possibility of increasing the cultivation of old cereal species. One of the cereals that is suitable for these trends is mountain rye, which is a premise for undertaking research on the usefulness of this cereal grain in food production. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the baking value of flour with different milling yields obtained from milling mountain rye grain. The research material consisted of rye grain (Secale montanum Guss.), which was milled, and 6 different rye flours were obtained. The flour was tested for selected quality parameters such as moisture, crude protein content, total ash content, and acidity. Doughs were prepared and fermented using a single-phase method carried out in two different variants, with or without the addition of lactic acid. The obtained rye breads were quality assessed and subjected to organoleptic and consumer evaluations. The use of the fermentation method with dough acidification with lactic acid allowed us to obtain breads with a better specific volume and acidity compared to those obtained from dough without acidification. Breads baked from dough prepared using the method of non-acidification with lactic acid had better porosity of the crumb. In the quality classification, breads made from low-extract flour turned out to be the best, and breads baked from dough made using the non-lactic acid acidification method were more generally accepted by panelists. As confirmed by research, mountain rye grain is a raw material for the production of flour with good baking value, which depends on the preparation of the grain and milling method. The quality of rye bread made from mountain rye flour depends on the flour yield, the baking value of the flour, and the method used for dough fermentation for bread baking.

Ecological restoration of sloping land using straw checkerboard barriers seeded with winter cover crops

In order to know, if Straw checkerboard barriers (SCB) technology could support the soil capabilities to grow plants and recovery ecological services via alleviate drought stress or amendment of soil attributes, an experiment was carried out in 2018. Checkerboards were setup in a 1 × 1 m pattern with rice residues. Seeds of sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa), rye (Secale montanum) and tall wheatgrass (Agropyron sp) were sown at different microenvironments of checkerboards include in borders and centers of the straw barrier and bare soil as the control. Growth analysis showed that rye plants in the border of the barriers showed on average 22, 100 and 60% higher plant height, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weigh than the bare soil respectively. Higher amounts of chlorophylls and carotenoids were also recorded for rye plants and the border of the SCB led to significant increase in these pigments. Rye plants maintained the highest RWC and lowest electrolyte leakage value among the crops. Higher RWC (18%) and lower electrolyte leakage (13%) was recorded in the border of the barriers as compare to the bare soil. Sainfoin and rye recorded higher malondialdehyde content while plants grown in the borders recorded lower amounts of malondialdehyde against plants in the bare soil. Soil water storage dynamics showed that during the growing season the barriers retained higher soil moisture. In the case of NPK, higher soil total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, and soil organic matter content were observed in SCB. Principal component analysis (PCA) of morphophysiological characteristics of cover crops indicated that rye had higher shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, chlorophyll a and carotenoids compare to sainfoin. For soil characteristics the PC1 represents the changes between the border of barriers, center of barriers and bare soil. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) showed that in first axe available phosphorus and soil organic matter are the most important variables that cause the greatest impact on the changes related to the morphophysiological characteristics of rye plants. Finally SCB could be deemed as an effective management strategy in semi-arid areas, as an important method for conserving natural resources and sustaining productivity and rye had better ability to survive and benefit in such dry conditions.

Seed priming with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) improves growth and water stress tolerance of Secalemontanum

Abiotic and biotic stresses are major global threats to food security in the 21st century. Application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in rangeland plants is the only possible alternative that supports plant growth and development to combat environmental stress and successfully restoring rangelands. PGPBs were also found to be a potential substitute for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The challenge is to determine which biofertilizers can be used for Secale montanum in normal and under water stress conditions. We sought to determine the benefits of PGPB for S. montanum under water stress conditions in terms of seedling growth traits, growth indicators, and nutrient uptake in the research greenhouse. Therefore, a completely randomized factorial design was conducted with two treatments of PGPB inoculation, including the control (no PGPB inoculation), PGPBs Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Azospirillum lipoferm, and Azotobacter chroococcum, and water stress in the research greenhouse. Overall, the results of the current study showed that water stress greatly reduced the above-ground fresh weight of above-ground plant parts and the nitrogen and potassium content of S. montanum. The present study confirms the positive effects of PGPB on fresh and dry weights of above- and below-ground parts and seedling, vigor index, quality index, and nitrogen and potassium content of S. montanum, except for below-ground parts length, compared with the controls, which shows that PGPB usually improves some indicators of plant growth and development. We suggest that restoration of S. montanum seed inoculation with PGPB should be supported in degraded rangelands and marginal drylands in low rainfall years, which may cause water scarcity and consequently water stress in arid and semi-arid regions.

Study of the allelopathic effects of Medicago sativa on the germination characteristics of Secale montanum


 This study investigated the allelopathic effects of Medicago sativa L. on the germination characteristics of weed rye (Secale montanum L.) Guss. In order to study the allelopathic effects of different concentrations of aqueous extract (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of different M. sativa parts (root, leaves, stem and aerial parts of the plant including (stems, leaves and flowers) on initial growth of rye (S. montanum) seedlings a factorial experiment arranged in RCB design was carried out with three replications in the greenhouse of Agricultural College, Mahabad Islamic Azad University in 2017. The greenhouse data showed that the plant height, root and biomass dry weight of the weed decreased so that the declining trend had a significant effect (p≤0.05) on all traits of rye studied in the present experiment. Among the aqueous extracts of M. sativa that of the root had the greatest allelopathic potential. 

Screening and genetic studies on resistance to Soil-born Cereal Mosaic Virus (SBWMV) in rye

Due to several reasons soil-borne viruses such as the furoviruses, i. e., cereal mosaic virus (SBCMV) and wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) as well as the bymovirus wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (WSSMV) gained importance in cereal breeding including rye. High yield losses are recorded, today. Since there is no or little resistance to these viruses in modern rye cultivars, an extended screening for resistance was initiated. In addition to earlier screenings, 37 rye genotypes were tested for resistance. Among them, three genotypes were found with persistent resistance to SBCMV. They belong to Secale montanum and S. vavilovii species, i. e., wild types of rye. One accession, PC2243 (S. montanum), was used as a resistance donor for the present genetic study. In F2 generation, it was observed that resistance to SBCMV is independently inherited from WSSMV. The evaluation of the ELISA values pointed to a 3:1 distribution assuming duplicate dominant epistasis. Molecular marker analysis supports this segregation pattern. By composite interval mapping a QTL on chromosome 2R could be detected. It can be assumed that there is a DNA region of about 13 cM on the long arm of chromosome 2R (2RL) harboring SBCMV resistance with the closest markers “C9654_1947” and “isotig11640”.Moreover, genotypes with a yellow seed coat showed practically no infection with SBCMV. Thus, the resistance gene could be linked to the allele an1 determining non expression of anthocyanins. This locus was also mapped earlier on chromosome 2R.

Potential of perennial cereal rye for perennial grain production in Manitoba

Perennial cereal rye (Secale cereale L. × Secale montanum Guss.) has been utilized for forage production and this study investigated its perennial grain production potential in Manitoba. Two seeding years at Carman, MB, showed poor winter survival and high ergot occurrence. Therefore, this species is not recommended for grain production in Manitoba.

دامنهی میزبانی جمعیتهای مختلف زنگ برگی گندم در ایران

In order to investigate the host range of various populations of causal agent of wheat leaf rust, Puccinia. recondita sensu lato, during 2010-2016, fifty isolates of the pathogen were collected from different hosts of Poaceae in various parts of Iran including: Ardabil, Fars, Golestan, Ilam, Kerman, Khuzestan, Khorasan Razavi, Kurdistan, Mazandaran and West Azerbaijan. Pathogenicity of all isolates on seven hosts, including bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Boolani), durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf., cv. Karkhe & cv. Yavaroos), barley (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. Afzal), oat (Avena sativa L.), rye (Secale montanum Guss.) and triticale (Triticosecale Wittm. Ex A. Camus) was examined. Results indicated that all isolates had high disease severity on bread wheat (cv. Boolani) and triticale. Bread wheat isolates were avirulent on all hosts except for triticale, which showed a hypersensitive reaction or small, dispersed pustules. Triticale isolates were only pathogenic on triticale and bread wheat. Durum wheat isolates were virulent on bread wheat, durum wheat, and triticale, and were avirulent on barley and rye plants. Oat isolates showed an avirulence response on barley, rye and various genotypes of durum wheat and rye. Barley isolates were also pathogenic on bread wheat, triticale and barley and avirulent on durum wheat and rye. Although wild barley isolates were virulent on bread wheat, durum wheat, and triticale, they were avirulent on other hosts. Oat is a non-host for all leaf rust isolates, except for its own isolates. The findings indicate that in the absence of wheat, leaf rust populations are able to survive on other members of the Poaceae family.

Effect of Nitrogen and Two Types of Green Manure on the Changes in Percentage and Yield of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Essential Oil

An experiment was conducted during 2015-2016 as a split factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Experimental factors were nitrogen fertilizer at four levels 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha as the main factor and two types of green manure. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and secale (Secale montanum) in two states (use and non-use) were considered as sub-factors. Medicago sativa and Secale montanum were cultivated as green manure in September 2015 and returned into the soil by ploughing at the fall of 2015. Thereafter, Mentha piperita was planted and the crop was taken care of in order to collect the samples. The highest increase of peppermint essential oil percentage and essential oil yield in different treatments resulted from the application of 150 kg/ha of pure nitrogen with 0.35% and 45.60 kg/ha, as well as the use of M. sativa with 0.43% and 55.80 kg/ha, the use of S. montanum with 0.44% and 49.50 kg/ha, respectively. The highest essential oil percentage and essential oil yield were recorded under the influence of the double interaction use of 150 kg/ha of pure nitrogen and use of green manure of M. sativa with average 0.62% and 80.30 kg/ha, respectively. The triple interaction of experimental factors on traits tested showed that nitrogen treatment of 150 kg/ha with M. sativa and S. montanum produced the highest percentage of essential oil and essential oil yield of average 0.73% and 91.65 kg/ha, respectively.

Capability of Secale montanum trusted for phytoremediation of lead and cadmium in soils amended with nano-silica and municipal solid waste compost.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the capability of Secale montanum trusted for phytoremediation of contaminated soils with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). To conduct this study, soil samples were taken from contaminated rangelands soils around National Lead & Zinc Factory, Zanjan, Iran. In this study, which was performed in a greenhouse, after preparing the pot and treating soils with nano-silica (NS) and municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) amendments, 20 Secale seeds were cultured in each pot. The translocation factor (TF), the bio-concentration factor (BCF), and remediation factor (RF) were calculated to determine the phytoremediation capability of Secale. Six months after establishment, plant organs were harvested and Pb and Cd concentrations were measured in shoot and roots of Secale. For statistical analysis and to compare the obtained means, ANOVA and Tukey's tests were performed, respectively. The pot experiment results showed that Pb uptake and accumulation by roots of S. montanum were highest in pots amended with NS500. In comparison, Pb concentration in shoots of Secale was highest in pots amended with MSWC 2%. In general, it seems that NS500 and MSWC 2% help phytoremediation capability of Secale in the Pb-contaminated soils.

Comparative study of the structure of chromosome 1R derived from Secale montanum and Secale cereale

AbstractWe produced 15 dissection lines of common wheat carrying segments of chromosome 1R of wild rye (Secale montanum) (1Rm) by the gametocidal system. Using the 1Rm dissection lines and previously established 24 dissection lines of chromosome 1R from cultivated rye (Secale cereale cv. ‘Imperial’) (1Ri), we conducted cytological mapping of 97 markers that were amplified in the 1Ri addition line. Sixty‐eight of the 97 markers were amplified in the 1Rm addition line. To reveal what structural differentiation occurred in chromosome 1R during domestication, we compared the cytological map of chromosome 1Ri with that of chromosome 1Rm, and also with the previously published cytological map of chromosome 1R from wheat cultivar ‘Burgas 2’ (1RB). There was one discrepancy in marker order in the satellite region between chromosomes 1Ri and 1RB, while there were four discrepancies in marker order between chromosomes 1Ri and 1Rm. These results suggested that during the domestication of rye, some intrachromosomal rearrangements had occurred in chromosome 1R, although this chromosome is regarded as the most stable chromosome in the rye genome.

Biometric characteristics of interspecific hybrids in the genus Secale

Abstract Breeding work using European rye populations has resulted in a considerable reduction of genetic variation in breeding materials of that species. Many taxa from the genus Secale may constitute a potential source of genetic variation in rye breeding. A source of new genetic variation can be found in such species as Secale montanum and Secale vavilovii, which are sources of resistance to fusarium ear blight and septoria leaf blotch, while Secale vavilovii may also be a source of sterilising cytoplasm. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of crossing the wild species Secale vavilovii and the rye subspecies Secale cereale subsp. afghanicum, Secale cereale subsp. ancestrale, Secale cereale subsp. dighoricum, Secale cereale subsp. segetale with the crop species Secale cereale ssp. cereale, and to produce F1 hybrids and describe selected morphological traits. Observations of biometric traits indicate that the F1 crosses produced may be potential sources of variation for common rye. The greatest variation in terms of all analysed phenotypic traits combined was found for the cross combinations S. c. ssp. cereale cv. Amilo × S. c. ssp. ancestrale and S. c. ssp. cereale cv. Dańkowskie Diament × S. c. ssp. dighoricum. The hybrids showed considerable variation in the analysed biometric traits within individual cross combinations.

Photosynthetic Responses in Annual Rye, Perennial Wheat, and Perennial Rye Subjected to Modest Source:Sink Ratio Changes

ABSTRACTNewly developed perennial cereals have been developed as alternatives to annual food crops. These provide novel contexts in which to study source vs. sink limitations of plant productivity. This is one of the first investigations of source:sink effects on photosynthesis, seed size, and regrowth in perennial cereal crops as well as in the commercially important annual rye (Secale cereale L.). Through experimental manipulations of field‐grown plants, we studied the effect of manipulations of source:sink ratio (25% decreases and 100% increases) on photosynthetic rate in perennial wheat [Triticum aestivum L. × Thinopyrum elongatum (Host) D. R. Dewey], perennial rye [S. cereale × Secale strictum (C. Presl) C. Presl subsp. strictum (syn. Secale montanum Guss.)], annual wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and annual rye. We measured carbohydrate pools, seed size, and regrowth as further indices of source vs. sink limitation. Perennial wheat showed sink limitation throughout. Annual and perennial rye appeared to be colimited. Low source:sink ratios in perennial wheat and rye were associated with up to 25% higher photosynthetic rates while high source:sink ratios led to up to 20% decreases. Seed size showed more stability under source:sink manipulation in perennials than in annuals while regrowth of perennials was not affected by source sink ratio, and all three species showed more stability of seed size in response to source:sink manipulation than annual wheat. Our results are consistent with perennial cereals operating below their maximum photosynthetic capacity, in contrast to annual wheat, and following a conservative reproductive strategy. By selecting for greater sink strength in perennial wheat, breeders may be able to achieve higher rates of photosynthesis and support higher yields in this new crop.

HEAT SHOCK TREATMENT CAN IMPROVE SOME SEED GERMINATION INDEXES AND ENZYME ACTIVITY IN PRIMED SEEDS WITH GIBBERELLIN OF MOUNTAIN RYE (SECALE MONTANUM) UNDER ACCELERATED AGING CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT Seed priming with gibberellin (GA) enhances seed germination performance; but the quality of primed seeds in aging condition often reduces more than non-primed seeds. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect(s) of heat shock treatments on germination characteristics and enzyme activity of primed mountain rye (Secale montanum) seeds with gibberellin under accelerated aging. Heat shock treatments, can substantially decrease the speed of quality reduction of mountain rye (Secale montanum) primed seeds. In primed seeds with gibberellin, which has non-aged, the highest germination percentage (GP) and normal seedling percentage (NSP) was attained from heat shock treatment at 35°C for 3 h, also after 3 days aging, it was attained from heat shock treatment at 35°C for 3 h. After 3 days of aging the highest germination index (GI) was attained from unprimed seeds, but no significant difference with heat shock treatment at 35°C for 3 h. The minimum means time germination (MTG) was in heat shock treatment at 30°C for 3 h in non-aged seeds. After 3 days of aging, heat shock treatment reduce MTG as compared to the primed seeds. Heat shock treatment at 35°C for 3 h increased seed vigor index (SVI) as compared to the unprimed and primed seed in non-aged seeds and after 3 days aging. Seedling length (SL) increases with heat shock treatment at 30°C for 4 h in non-aged seeds as compared to the primed and unprimed seeds, but after 3 days of aging heat shock treatment except at 35°C for 3 h and 40°C for 4 h reduced SL as compared to the primed and unprimed seeds. Also, heat shock treatments increase some antioxidant enzymes [Catalase (CAT), Ascorbat peroxidase (APX)].

Investigation and comparison of the nutritional value and forage quality indicators in some rangelands species at different vegetation forms from Kashan Province of Iran

Information on different rangeland plants’ nutritive values at various phonological stages is important in rangelands management. This information helps rangeland managers to choose proper grazing times to achieve higher animal performance without detrimental effects on the rangeland vegetations. Effects of various plant parts’ phonological stages and vegetation types on reserve carbohydrates and forage quality indicators were investigated during the 2009 and 2010. Plant samples were collected in a completely randomized block (CRB) design. The species included, grasses (Secale montanum and Festuco ovina), forbs (Lotus corniculatus and Sanguisorba minor), and shrubs (Kochia prosterata and Salsola rigida). Aerial plant parts’ samples were oven-dried at 80°C for 24 h, then analyzed for soluble carbohydrates, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestible (DMD), and metabolizable energy (ME). Results showed that plants at the seedling stage had more reserve carbohydrates than the other, also from the three vegetation types (grass, forbs, and shrub), forbs contained more soluble carbohydrates than other vegetation types. Differences in soluble carbohydrate contents of different species at various phonological stages in 2 years were statistically significant. The forage quality indicators (CP, ADF, DMD, and ME) in the different species and in different vegetation types, were statistically significant at 2 years, except for the CP. Key words: Grazing, soluble carbohydrate, protein, fiber, metabolizeable energy.

Effect of water stress on seed germination of Agropyron elongatum, Agropyron desertourm & Secale montanum.

Physiological effect of six levels of water stress (0, -0.1, -.03, -0.6, -0.9 and -1.2 MP) was studied on seed germination and plumule as well as radicule growth length in three species namely: Agropyron elongatum, Agropyron desertourm and Secale montanum. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to provide appropriate water potentials. A total of 100 seeds in four replications (Petri dishes) were sown from each species. Experimental design was a factorial one of complete randomized design. Maximum germination rate was obtained at 0 MP. Germination rate and plumule and radicule growth declined with water potential level. The most resistance species to water stress are Secale montanum, Agropyron elongatum and Agropyron desertorum respectively.

Osmo and Hydro Priming Mediated Germination Improvement Under Cold Stress Conditions in Mountain Rye (Secale Montanum)

Abstract Seed priming techniques have been used to increase germination, improve germination uniformity and seedling establishment under stressed conditions. Seed priming was used in rye mountain (Secale montanum) to increase seed germination and tolerance on stress exposure (Cold stress). Rye seeds were treated with water (Hydro priming) and polyetelyn glycol 6000 (Osmo priming). The effect of priming was assessed on germination characteristics under cold stress (at 3°C) for 7 days. Analyze of variance for hydro priming showed that temperature × time of priming interaction was significantly (P < 0.01) for all traits under cold stress and for osmo priming showed that Concentration of PEG × Temperature × Time of priming interaction was significantly (P < 0.01) for all traits under cold stress except seedling dry weight (SDW). For hydro priming the highest germination percentage (GP) was attained from hydro priming at 15±1°C for 16 h (70%), whereas the highest normal seedling percentage (NSP) (22.5%), germination index (GI) (8.57), seedling vigor index (SVI) (38.9) and seedling length (SL) (1.7 cm) were in the hydro priming at 10±1°C for 16 h. For osmo priming the highest germination percentage (GP) (80 and 80.5%), normal seedling percentage (NSP) (48 and 45%), seedling vigor index (SVI) (101.26 and 85.25) and seedling length (SL) (2.11 and 1.89 cm) observed in the osmo priming with concentrations of -9 and -15 bar PEG at 15±1°C for 24 h.

Seed Reserve Utilization and Seedling Growth of Treated Seeds of Mountain Rye (Secale Montanum) as Affected by Drought Stress

Seed Reserve Utilization and Seedling Growth of Treated Seeds of Mountain Rye (Secale Montanum) as Affected by Drought StressThe environmental stress such as, drought are serious obstacles for field crops in further areas of the world, especially in arid and semiarid regions. In order to investigate drought stress on seed reserve utilization and seedling growth of treated seeds of mountain rye (Secale montanum), an experiment was carried out. Factorial experiment was carried out in completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor was the seed treatments (unpriming, hydropriming and osmopriming) and the second factor was drought stress. To create drought stress, polyetylenglycol 6000 (PEG 6000) in osmotic levels at 0 (as control), -0.4, -0.8, - 1.2 and -1.6 MPa were used. The results indicated that for these traits: germination percentage (GP), timson index (TI), energy of germination (EG), weight of utilized (mobilized) seed (WMSR), seed reserve utilization efficiency (SRUE), seedling dry weight (SLDW), and seed reserve depletion percentage (SRDP), was a significant treatment x drought interaction. Thus hydropriming and osmopriming improvement study traits inSecale montanumunder drought stress. While in higher osmotic pressure the highest seed reserve utilization were obtained from osmopriming.

Preliminary studies on two Diaspididae (Hemiptera) species feeding on Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) in Turkey

The scale insects Acanthomytilus sacchari (Hall) and Duplachionaspis erianthi Borchsenius (Hemiptera, Diaspididae) are newly recorded as indigenous insects from Turkey. Both A. sacchari and D. erianthi were found to feed only on rhizomes of Johnsongrass. A field study was conducted to determine host ranges and feeding effects of these scale insects on Johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. No feeding of these species was observed on Zea mays L. (maize), Sorghum sudanense Staph. (sorghum), Aegilops triuncialis L. (barbed goatgrass), Avena fatua L. (wild oat), A. sterilis (sterile oat), Bromus tectorum L. (downy brome), Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (bermudagrass), Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel (common reed), Poa bulbosa L. (bulbous bluegrass), or Secale montanum Guss. (wild rye). The mean infestation rates of the scale insects on Johnsongrass in southeastern Anatolia were 11.47% and 1.64% for A. sacchari and D. erianthi, respectively. Further investigations are required to clarify their biology and damage to Johnsongrass under field conditions.

The synthesis of trigeneric Aegilops X Triticum X Secale hybrids

Synthetic amphiploids, Aegilops X Triticum and Triticum X Aegilops, were crossed with Secale cereale and Secale montanum. Trigeneric hybrids with genomic constitutions ADRc, ADMvRc, ADMvRm, ABDRc, ABDRm, ABDMvRm and ABDMvRcRc were produced and studied. All these hybrids except the hybrid with genomes ABDMvRcRc were taller and had bigger leaves and spikes than parents. The relative proportion of Secale genomes appears to be critical in the survival and subsequent development of these hybrids. The key characters of the genera Aegilops, Triticum and Secale (Pilger 1954) were examined by studying nine different trigeneric combinations. The trigeneric hybrids had characters from all the three genera. In general appearance, however, the spikelets of all the trigeneric hybrids resembled those of the Triticum parent more closely than those of the Secale and Aegilops parent. The trigeneric hybrids behaved like perennial forms, but were completely sterile. There was evidence that the sterility of the hybrids was genic as well as chromosomal. The induction of polyploidy and restoration of fertility in these hybrids might yield useful polygenomic forms.

The influence of the B genome on chromosome pairing in trigeneric Aegilops X X Triticum X Secale hybrids

A cytological study of the trigeneric (Aegilops X Triticum X Secale) hybrids, with and without the B genome, was made. The species studied were Triticum aegilopoides, Triticum monococcum, Triticum durum, Triticum dicoccum, Aegilops squarrosa, Aegilops ventricosa, Secale cereale and Secale montanum. The chromosomes of Secale do not pair with the chromosomes of Triticum or Aegilops, irrespective of the presence or absence of the B genome. No inhibitory effects of Secale were observed in the trigeneric hybrid which involved only the diploid species of three genera viz. Triticum aegilopoides, Aegilops squarrosa and Secale cereale. A study of the trigeneric hybrids, in which polyploid species of Triticum and Aegilops were used, indicated that in the hybrids with the genomic constitution ADMvR about 5 bivalents were formed. In the hybrids (ABDMvR), the average number of bivalent was as low as 1, but multivalent formation was not influenced by the presence of the B genome. The studies confirm the cytological similarities between the natural and synthetic amphiploids with the genomes AABBDD. The genetic diploidizing system operating in polyploid Aegilops seems to be different from that operating in the polyploid species of Triticum. The tetraploid Aegilops ventricosa appears to possess a gene(s) which affects homoeologous pairing and alters the potency of the B genome in the trigeneric hybrids. The genetic control of the meiotic process is very complex and does not seem to rest entirely in the B genome but is significantly influenced by factors in all other participating genomes.