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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #251615

Title: Registration of annual ryegrass genetic stock IL2

Author
item Kindiger, Bryan
item DEVESH, SINGH - Barenbrug West Coast Research Station

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Registrations
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2011
Publication Date: 2/1/2011
Citation: Kindiger, B.K., Devesh, S. 2011. Registration of annual ryegrass genetic stock IL2. Journal of Plant Registrations. 5(2):254-256.

Interpretive Summary: An annual ryegrass line IL2, has been selected from a population designated as IL1 that has been identified to segregate for varying degrees of pollen abortion. When IL2 is hybridized with others species comprising the ryegrass/fescue genus; hybrid individuals are readily generated. IL2 represents a single plant selection from the IL1 population that also exhibits partial pollen sterility and an increased level of plant vigor. IL2 possesses less genetic diversity than the original IL1 population and should provide a superior breeding resource for the development of ryegrass/fescue cultivars. The few seed produced following wide-cross hybridizations are generated via an atypical, sexual reproductive method not requiring pollination. The infrequent seed produced by these hybrids results in the generation of offspring possessing both normal and variable genome constitutions. The generation of offspring attained through this approach may be useful in the development of new and superior cultivars via a traditional breeding approach. This research will be valuable to breeders involved in the development of superior cool-season perennial grass ryegrass or fescue cultivars.

Technical Abstract: A diploid (2n=2x=14) Lolium multiflorum, designated IL2, represents a single plant selection from an IL1 population segregating for male-sterility. IL2 exhibits an elevated level of pollen sterility compared to individuals comprising the IL1 population and has been evaluated and identified to produce hybrid seed when utilized as the maternal parent in an array of Lolium ssp. hybridizations. The genetic composition of IL2 is less diverse than the genetic composition of IL1. Interspecific hybrids generated by utilizing IL2 produce a small number of viable seed via a parthenogenic response. In some instances, genome loss is observed in offspring obtained from the generated hybrids. Utilizing these materials in a traditional breeding method may provide for the development of new and superior Lolium ssp. cultivars. This research will be of value to researchers of Lolium breeding programs that are focused on developing improved germplasm.