Genetic control of 1R nucleolus organizer region expression in the presence of wheat genomes

The expression of rRNA genes located in the nucleolar organizing region (NOR) present on the short arm of chromosome 1R from rye (Secale cereale L.) was examined in several hexaploid (Triticum aestivum L.) and tetraploid wheats (Triticum turgidum L.) containing the entire chromosome 1R from rye (disomic substitution 1B(1R)), its full haploid genome (hexaploid wheat–rye F1 hybrid), or only its short arm translocated to the long arms of wheat chromosomes from the homoeologous group 1 (disomic translocations 1AL/1RS, 1BL/1RS, or 1DL/1RS) or added to the complete hexaploid wheat genotype (monotelosomic addition 1RS). By silver staining and determination of the number of Ag-NORs and the average number of nucleoli per root-tip cell it became apparent that the expression of 1R NORs, in the presence of wheat genomes, depends on the absence of the long arm of rye chromosome 1R. In wheat-rye F1 hybrids and in hexaploid wheat with a disomic substitution 1B(1R), 1R NOR was morphologically absent, even when only one wheat major NOR was present, in contrast with its frequent expression in wheat–rye translocation or addition lines where only its short arm was added. It is suggested that wheat nucleolar dominance over rye as expressed by heterochromatic and silent NOR in 1RS is under a complex genetic control which involves interaction between 1RL and unidentified wheat genes.Key words: 1R nucleolus organizer region, gene activity, amphiplasty.