F3 interspecific lines were used to produce F4 lines (in vivo) and R0F3 somaclonal lines (in vitro). Both F4 and R0F3 lines were planted. Among the plant populations, large variations in leaf morphology were noticed. Groups on the basis of these variations were made as in Fig. 1 and the representative leaf groups are shown in Fig. 2.
Leaves of F4 plants were relatively broad. R0F3 plants produced two different types of narrow leaves that were easily identifiable. Group I plants had big leaves that could be subgrouped into long leaves (Ia) and short leaves (Ib). Group II plants, with many branches, had small pointed leaves and this group could also be subgrouped into many leaves (IIa) and few leaves (IIb).
Variations in physiological characters were also observed. Group I plants were flowering but non-fruiting, while Group II plants were non-flowering.
In conclusion, it can be stated that plants derived by in vitro produced a greater amount of variation than plants derived by in vivo method.
Figure 1. Grouping of F4 &R0F3 plants on the basis of leaf morpphology.
F3
|
___________________________________
| |
F4 plants R0F4 plants
| |
Broad leaves Narrow leaves
|
_____________________________
| |
I II
(flowering / non-fruiting) (non-flowering
| multiple branching)
| |
Big leaves Small pointed leaves
| |
___________ ___________
| | | |
Ia Ib IIa IIb
long short many few
Figure 2. Various leaf types observed in F4 &R0F3 plants.