GENOTYPES OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS (LOLIUM-PERENNE L) WITH HIGH ANTHER-CULTURE RESPONSE THROUGH HYBRIDIZATION

Anther-culture response in Lolium perenne was studied in the hybrid populations from three responsive diploid parent clones to obtain genotypes with superior anther-culture response through hybridization. Genetic variation for anther-culture response was significant both within and between the four hybrid families and their parents. A reciprocal effect was indicated for embryo formation and regeneration percentages for one of the cross combinations. Among 55 hybrid clones tested in two environments, 6 clones were identified with an anther-culture response level superior to their parents. While the parents produced one green plant or less per 100 anthers, these superior clones produced from 11 to 59 green plants/100 anthers, mainly as the result of improved embryo formation and improved percentages of regenerated plants being green. A significant correlation (r = 0.397**) was observed between embryo formation and percentage of green plants. The results are discussed with regard to the possible transfer of anther-culture response to non-responsive breeding material through hybridization.