Sawant, A. C.
Wo is well-known for its lethal effect in homozygous condition. But in rare cases Wo Wo seeds germinate and seedlings make some growth. No progeny, however, is reported segregating 3 Wo : 1 +.
In an F2 L. esculentum x L. hirstitum f. glabratum in a total of 597 plants 435 were woolly and 162 were normal, giving good fit in 3 Wo : 1 + ratio. Out of 435 plants 70 were homozygous woolly. Though it is significant deficiency, it is worthy to note that in a similar F2 progeny of pure L. esculentum there were only three homozygous woolly plants in a total of about 800 plants.
It appears that glabratum background may have some effect on survival of Wo Wo plants. To verify this, a further test is under way.