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Pollination systems, hybridization barriers and meiotic chromosome behaviour in Nemesia hybrids

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Abstract

The ability of 13 Nemesia species (six annual and seven perennial) to sexually hybridize was investigated. Six of the perennial Nemesia species investigated were inter-fertile with one another. Two of the annual species, N. macroceras and N. strumosa, were inter-fertile. Thirty three crosses were successful and resulted in viable seeds. The analysis of meiotic chromosome behaviour in interspecific hybrids indicated that Nemesia chromosomes in different parental species were homeologous. No evidence of chromosome inversions or chromosome translocations was observed during meiosis in interspecific hybrids between the six perennial Nemesia species. In the hybrids produced between N. macroceras and N. strumosa, a quadrivalent was observed during meiotic metaphase I, indicating that these two species differ by a reciprocal translocation. A successful hybridization was made between N. anisocarpa (annual) and N. foetans (perennial), producing two triploid hybrids. In the unsuccessful crosses, pollen tubes were observed entering ovaries and ovules, suggesting that post-fertilization barriers were preventing sexual hybridization. Many of these crosses produced nonviable, shrunken, empty seeds, suggesting that endosperm breakdown and embryo abortion prevent interspecific hybridization in unsuccessful crosses. The manipulation of ploidy levels in N. fruticans and N. strumosa and tissue culture of N. strumosa × N. fruticans ovules failed to overcome post-fertilization barriers between these species.

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Abbreviations

DAP:

days after pollination

HAP:

hours after pollination

SC:

self-compatible

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Author notes

  1. Paul M. Datson

    Present address: The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand Ltd, Private Bag 92169, Auckland, New Zealand

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Paul M. Datson & Brian G. Murray

  2. Hammett Plant Breeding Ltd., 488c Don Buck Road, Massey, Auckland, New Zealand

    Keith R. W. Hammett

Authors
  1. Paul M. Datson
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  2. Brian G. Murray
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  3. Keith R. W. Hammett
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Correspondence to Paul M. Datson.

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Datson, P.M., Murray, B.G. & Hammett, K.R.W. Pollination systems, hybridization barriers and meiotic chromosome behaviour in Nemesia hybrids. Euphytica 151, 173–185 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-006-9138-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-006-9138-z

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