FIELD PERFORMANCE OF CELL-SUSPENSION-DERIVED LOLIUM-PERENNE L. REGENERANTS AND THEIR PROGENIES

Two sets of plants (Lb and Lc), regenerated from different single-geno type-derived embryogenic suspension cultures of Lolium perenne cv Cita del, were evaluated for agronomic traits in a modified polycross desig n in the field. Seed from the primary regenerated plants was harvested to evaluate morphological and phenological traits of corresponding pr ogenies in a replicated field experiment. When compared to seed-grown plants of the same cultivar, primary regenerants of the Lb set showed a significant delay in ear emergence and a more-erect growth habit, wh ile primary regenerants from the Le set showed a significantly higher seed yield. However, progenies of regenerated plants did not differ fr om those of seed-grown plants. Embryogenic suspension cells of L. pere nne have the potential for producing fertile, well-performing, materia l which can be integrated into breeding programs.