Asymmetric somatic hybridization between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Agropyron elongatum (Host) Nevishi

• DOI: 10.1007/s00122-003-1247-7
• Publication Date: 2003-10-14T20:19:08Z
• Authors: Guangmin Xia; Fengning Xiang; Aifen Zhou; Huai Wang; Huimin Chen
• Keywords: Agropyron; Protoplast; Somatic fusion; Common wheat; Chromosome number

Suspension-derived protoplasts of Agropyron elongatum irradiated by ultra-violet light (UV) were fused with the suspension-derived protoplasts of Triticum astivum using PEG. Fertile intergeneric somatic hybrid plants were produced and various hybrid lines have been selected and propagated in successive generations. Their hybrid nature was confirmed by analysis of profiles of isozymes, RAPDs, and 5S rDNA spacer sequences, and via GISH analysis. By the procedure described, the phenotype and chromosome number of wheat could be maintained besides transfer of a few chromosomes and chromosomal fragments from the donor A. elongatum. The results above indicated that highly asymmetric fertile hybrid plants and hybrid progenies of wheat were produced via somatic hybridization.