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Variation in Phenotype and Chromosome Number in Alfalfa Protoclones Regenerated from Nonmutagenized Calli 1
Author(s) -
Johnson Lowell B.,
Stuteville D. L.,
Schlarbaum S. E.,
Skinner D. Z.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1984.0011183x002400050030x
Subject(s) - biology , ploidy , medicago sativa , chromosomal translocation , cutting , chromosome , transplanting , rhizoctonia solani , botany , raceme , phenotype , horticulture , genetics , sowing , inflorescence , gene
Two populations of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) regenerated from nonmutagenized mesophyll protoplasts were compared to their parent clones (RS‐K1 and RS‐K2) for changes in phenotype and in chromosome complement. Thirty and 45% of RS‐K1 and RS‐K2 protoclones, respectively, had 32 chromosomes (2n = 4x = 32). Chromosomal changes observed included increased ploidy, aneuploidy, and translocations. Some protoclones were more susceptible to winter damage than were their parents, and various other phenotypic changes were observed. Dry weight forage yields for four harvests were obtained from ramets in replicated field plots the year after transplanting. Protoclones significantly superior, equal, and inferior (P = 0.05) to their respective parents were obtained, with the latter two classes greatly predominating. Between the third and fourth cuttings, a crown rot killed 60% of the protoclones. Fusarium solani and/or F. roseum and Rhizoctonia solani were isolated from these plants. One RS‐K2 protoclone appeared to exhibit resistance under this naturally‐occurring epidemic.