Multiple branching stems in a hybrid between bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and lymegrass Leymus mollis
Hybrids have been produced between bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) and lymegrass (Leymus mollis (Trin.) Pilger), and these are vegetatively highly vigorous but sexually sterile. The plants are unusual for Triticeae in having both extensive intravaginal branching along the length of the stem and the ability to spontaneously develop aerial roots from the stem nodes. These morphological changes are probably genetically determined, since the phenotype was expressed in a number of independent hybrids grown in widely differing environments. It may, however, be an epigenetic effect, arising from the tissue culture period necessary for embryo rescue. As the hybrids are self-sterile, the character is useful as it allows for ready vegetative reproduction. Key words: wheat, Leymus, wide hybrid, branching stem, aerial roots.