Variation in Phenotype and Chromosome Number in Alfalfa Protoclones Regenerated from Nonmutagenized Calli1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Two populations of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) regenerated from nonmutagenized mesophyll protoplasts were compared to their parent clones (RS‐K1 and RS‐K2) for changes in phenotype and in chromosome complement. Thirty and 45% of RS‐K1 and RS‐K2 protoclones, respectively, had 32 chromosomes (2n = 4x = 32). Chromosomal changes observed included increased ploidy, aneuploidy, and translocations. Some protoclones were more susceptible to winter damage than were their parents, and various other phenotypic changes were observed. Dry weight forage yields for four harvests were obtained from ramets in replicated field plots the year after transplanting. Protoclones significantly superior, equal, and inferior (P = 0.05) to their respective parents were obtained, with the latter two classes greatly predominating. Between the third and fourth cuttings, a crown rot killed 60% of the protoclones. Fusarium solani and/or F. roseum and Rhizoctonia solani were isolated from these plants. One RS‐K2 protoclone appeared to exhibit resistance under this naturally‐occurring epidemic.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: