New sources of indehiscence for birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus, Fabaceae) produced by interspecific hybridization

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Abstract
An interspecific hybridization program was undertaken involving the nonshattering Lotus species L. conimbricensis and L. ornithopodioides, and species belonging to the Lotus corniculatus group, L. alpinus, L. japonicus and L. burttii. Out of 12 cross combinations, 8 were successful. Two of these, L. alpinus .times. L. conimbricensis and L. burttii .times. L. ornithopodioides, are new hybrids. Meiosis in pollen mother cells and pollen stainability of parental species and hybrids were compared. The data indicate that the two new hybrids would have potential, via amphidiploidy, in a breeding program to reduce shattering in L. corniculatus.