INHERITANCE OF SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS IN RED-CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM-PRATENSE L.)

Red clover genotypes capable of regenerating plantlets in vitro from n on-meristematic tissue-derived callus are rare. Selection for genotype s capable of somatic embryogenesis identified a clone comprised of a g roup of plantlets regenerated from a hypocotyl-derived callus culture on L2-based media and another group of plantlets originating from crow n divisions of the epicotyl-derived plant. The callus-derived plants o f this clone were highly regenerative when reintroduced to callus cult ure, but the epicotyl-derived plants produced nonregenerative callus c ultures. F-1, F-2 and BC1 populations were evaluated to determine the mode of inheritance of the regeneration trait. Reciprocal crosses did not differ, indicating a lack of maternal effects. Results were compat ible with genetic control of regeneration by two complementary genes. We propose the genotype Rn1-Rn2- for regenerative plants. Three petiol e segment explants were sufficient to evaluate regenerative ability in seedlings. Regenerative ability was often associated with abnormal le af morphology in a few to several leaves.