Analysis of chromosomal and organellar DNA of somatic hybrids between Triticum aestiuvm and Haynaldia villosa Schur

Intergeneric somatic hybridization between wheat (cv. Jinan 177) protoplast s that have 24-28 chromosomes and Haynaldia villosa protoplasts containing 11-14 chromosomes was carried out by the polyethylene glycol (PEG) method. A high frequency of hybrid calli and plants were obtained from the fusion p roducts, as revealed by cytological and biochemical techniques and by PCR a nalysis of 5S rDNA spacer sequences. GISH (genomic in situ hybridization) a nalysis confirmed the presence of chromosomes from both parents in the hybr id clones and the common occurrence of translocations between them. The RFL P analysis of the organellar DNA using mitochondrion and chloroplast-specif ic probes revealed that mitochondria from both parents existed in the cells of hybrid calli and their recombination, whereas chloroplasts segregated a nd recombined randomly. The gross morphology of hybrid plants resembled tha t of wheat, but the gross morphology of their ovaries and anthers were inte rmediate between those of the two parents. The relationship between hybrid plant regeneration and the balance of genetic materials in hybrid clones is discussed.