VEGETATIVE AND FLORAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERSPECIFIC BRASSICA CHIMERAS PRODUCED BY IN-VITRO GRAFTING

Interspecific Brassica chimeras (Brassica campestris + B. oleracea) were synthesized according to an in vitro graft-culture method, and propagated by tissue culture of axillary buds or chimeric explants. A total of 127 regenerants obtained were investigated. The mericlinal chimera type was more easily produced than the other periclinal and revertant types. No sectorial chimera was produced. The flowering habit and inflorescence type of the chimeras were found to be controlled by the constitution of three tissue layers, but the petal shape and color were controlled only by the two outer tissue layers. Pollen viability of the chimeras were generally lower and more variable in parts than those of the parental types.