ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME POSTFERTILIZATION BARRIER IN INTERSPECIFIC CROSSES OF THE GENUS LENS

Wild relatives are a potential source of genetic diversity to lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik). The objective of this research was to obtain vi able interspecific hybrids between the domesticated lentil and its wil d relatives. The paper details the results of a number of interspecifi c crosses among L. culinaris, L. orientalis, L. odemensis, L. ervoides and L. nigricans. Viable hybrids were produced between L. culinaris x L. orientalis, L. culinaris x L. nigricans, L. culinaris x L. ervoide s and between L. culinaris x L. odemensis. Further viable hybrids were obtained between L. culinaris and L. ervoides, which have the potenti al to be a 'bridge' in hybridization to L. culinaris for specific L. n icrigans lines which proved recalcitrant in L. culinaris x L. nigrican s crosses. This is the first time that four wild species oilentils hav e been used successfully in hybridization with cultivated lentils, and viable hybrids produced. This paper also suggests that the artificial supplement of GA(3) hormone is needed after fertilization for the nor mal growth of the hybrid embryo, possibly as the natural GA(3) product ion is restricted with alien pollinations in cultivated lentils in bot h F-1 and backcross hybrids.