Detection of specific chromosome reduction in rice somatic hybrids with the A, B, and C genomes by multi-color genomic in situ hybridization

A multi-color genomic in situ hybridization (McGISH) method has been develo ped. Three different rice genomes, A, B and C, involved in rice somatic hyb rids were distinguished using three different fluorescent signals. All the rice chromosomes from the different genomes could be identified by differen t fluorescent colors, and the distribution of each genome in the nucleus wa s clearly visualized under a fluorescence microscope. The relationship betw een chromosomal constitution and morphological variations observed in the s omatic hybrids, and the utility of McGISH, are discussed based on the resul ts currently obtained.