Kesicki, E . New hybrids between L. esculentum and L. peruvianum.
During studies on the effect of immunosuppresive chemicals on barriers to crossing between species, 29
hybrids of L. esculentum cv. Potentate X L. peruvianum PI126435 were obtained. Some of them died in the seedling
stage, others grew very poorly and did not bloom. Only 14 plants grew vigorously and set fruits. These plants have
been intermediate, but there were many differences in morphology between them. Some hybrids resembled L.
esculentum, others, L. peruvianum. The most intriguing result is that some plants have orange fruits, some, red.
Amazing also is that all blooming plants set seeds from self-pollination. Seeds of F2 germinated well and seedlings
grew vigorously. This was never noted for hybrids between L. esculentum and L. peruvianum. Both facts need
further study.
Kesicki, E. New type of functional male sterility.
A single plant showing a new type of functional male sterility was found in progeny of hybrid L. esculentum
cv. Marglobe x L. parviflorum (LA247). The progeny of this plant have a characteristic phenotype with very broad,
rounded cotyledons and wide ovate, rounded or obtuse leaflets. Anthers ripen late and in fully open flowers are
often green. Anthers are weakly connected, sterile tips are usually strongly recurved, and the stigma is exserted as
early as bud stage. Without artificial self-pollination the plants set only single fruits. After hand self-pollination plants
show normal fertility. All characters of this phenotype depend on the interaction of three recessive genes and are
inherited jointly.
This type of male sterility shows many advantages. Because of normal fertility after artificial self-pollination
there are no problems with propagation of the maternal line. The cross-pollination by hand is easy because of
exsertion of the stigma. The characteristic cotyledon shape of this stock is of special benefit because seedlings from
accidental self-pollination and F1 hybrids can be easily distinguished.
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