RAPD FINGERPRINTING OF DIPLOID LOLIUM-PERENNE X HEXAPLOID FESTUCA-ARUNDINACEA HYBRID GENOMES

We tested the application of RAPD technology for identification of hyb rid genomes originated from a maternal clone of Lolium perenne L. (2n = 2x = 14) bearing cytoplasmic male sterility, which was pollinated se parately by five clones of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. cv. Barocco (2n = 6x = 42). Six classes of RAPD markers were recognized, specific to: I) Festuca genome and inherited into Fl hybrid genomes, 2) Lolium gen ome inherited into F1 hybrid genomes, 3) Lolium-specific bands not fou nd in Fl progeny, 4) Festuca-specific bands not found in Fl progeny, 5 ) new bands found only in Fl hybrid profiles, 6) bands common to all p arental and Fl hybrid genotypes. RAPD data were shown to have full pot ential a) to serve as an unequivocal proof of genome recombination in perennial ryegrass x tall fescue hybrids, b) to identify hybrid genome s, c) to reveal phenetic relationships of the accessions from crossing families, 6) to enhance, by fingerprinting, the selection of superior hybrid material for further breeding. RAPD data were found to be cons istent with the festucoid phenotype of F1 hybrids.