Wide hybridization experiments in cereals

Abstract

Wide hybridization is a useful tool in plant breeding, but little is known about its possible range. For the cereals, wheat, barley and rye, this was tested with 15 different species of the Poaceae and Panicoideae. Embryo formation could be obtained with Agropyron repens, Alopecurus agrestis, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca glauca, Hordeum bulbosum, Lolium perenne, Pennisetum americanum, and Zea mays. As well, haploid as diploid embryos occurred. New embryo culture techniques should enable these embryos to grow to plants.