Genetic analysis of chlorophyll-deficient somaclonal variants in rye

Albino plants have been observed among regenerated plants from immature embryo calluses in four cultivars of rye. The frequency of albino plants was very similar between the plants regenerated from embryogenic (8.78%) or organogenic (12.06%) cultures. However, these frequencies varied widely between cultivars (from 0 to 23.46%). On the other hand, 12% of the green regenerated plants segregated in their progeny plants with chlorophyll deficiencies, and most of these mutations segregated as we can expect a Mendelian trait to do. The behaviour of the regenerated plants from cv. Ailes was particularly interesting, because the appearance of a particular phenotype could be related to the in vitro activation of a transposable element.Key words: Secale cereale, regeneration, somaclonal variation, albino plants, transposable elements.

CHLOROPHYLL DEFICIENCIES IN LETTUCE

Three chlorophyll deficiency traits in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) are reported. One, chlorophyll deficient-3 (cd-3), is quite yellow in the seedling stage, and controlled by a single recessive allele. Chlorophyll deficient-4 (cd-4) has sectors of yellow-green and green in the true leaves. It is inherited as a single recessive, and may be allelic to chlorophyll deficient-2 (cd-2). Sickly (si) is stunted, yellow, and partially necrotic, and is also controlled by a single allele. Virescent (vi) is epistatic to cd-4 and the latter is partially lethal. Linkage and additional epistatic relations with previously named chlorophyll deficient genes and other traits are discussed.

Inheritance of a Chlorophyll Deficiency in Hazelnut

A chlorophyll deficiency expressed as yellowing of leaves was observed in hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) progenies. Segregation ratios approximated 3 green: 1 yellow, indicating control by a single recessive gene designated chlorophyll deficient #1, for which the symbol c, is proposed. `Barcelona', `Butler', `Compton', `Lansing', Willamette', and the ornamental selection `Redleaf #3' are heterozygous. Pedigree analysis strongly suggests that all heteroxygotes inherited the recessive allele from `Barcelona'. A cross of `Barcelona' with the yellow-leafed ornamental Corylus avellana L. var. aurea Kirchn. produced no yellow-leafed seedlings, indicating that the chlorophyll deficiencies from these two sources are controlled by different loci. Progenies segregating simultaneously for this trait and the gene controlling presence of anthocyanin indicated that the two traits are inherited independently. Seedlings deficient in chlorophyll but with anthocyanin were able to survive under field conditions, while leaves of yellow-leafed seedlings lacking anthocyanin became scorched and the trees died.

RELATIONSHIP OF TAXA IN THE GENUS MEDICAGO AS REVEALED BY HYBRIDIZATION. I. M. STRIATA × M. LITTORALIS

In crosses between the two taxa Medicago striata Bast, and M. littoralis Rohde a high mortality of gametes and seedlings, and sterility of some plants were noted which were not related to gross chromosomal rearrangements. Although the F1, F2 and F3 generations from reciprocal crosses differed in chlorophyll deficiencies (indicating a cytoplasmic influence) a genic cause became evident from segregations for chlorophyll characters in the F2 and F3. Transference of the cytoplasmic factor by the pollen is indicative.Segregation for pod coiling direction indicated that the character was determined by one or two genetic factors of which the clockwise coiling direction is recessive. The spininess appeared to be determined by one genetic factor, of which the spineless allele is recessive.On the basis of genetic differences (especially on the built-in repulsion systems for normal chlorophyll development of opposite species) the two taxa should be considered two different species.