THE INHERITANCE OF LEAF SIZE IN BROADLEAF BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL, LOTUS CORNICULATUS L.

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Abstract
The inheritance of leaf size was studied in crosses involving the large-leafed, L. corniculatus var. vulgaris and the small-leafed, L. corniculatus var. arvensis. Results indicate the genetics of this character to be relatively simple in that it appears to be mainly under the control of alleles at one locus. These alleles show no dominance and there is evidence that the allelic interaction is geometric in nature rather than arithmetic. Backcross ratios of 1:4:1 and 1:2:2:1 were obtained which are indicative of autotetraploid segregation where the chromosomes pair at random. However a factorial hypothesis established wholly on this simple basis does not satisfactorily explain the results. Gene interactions, which at present are unknown, are thought to be involved.Cytological examination of the parent plants showed chromosome pairing to be chiefly as bivalents. Quadrivalent formation was rare. If this species is of autoploid origin as the backcross ratios indicate the process of reversion to the diploid type of chromosome behaviour is fairly complete, and therefore disomic, tetrasomic and disomic-tetrasomic ratios can be expected.

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