Primary trisomics obtained from autotriploid by diploid reciprocal crosses in cucumber

To promote cytogenetical studies on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., 2n = 2x = 14), the reciprocal crosses were made between autotriploid and diploid for selecting the primary trisomics. Meanwhile, chromosome behavior during meiosis in autotriploid cucumber was investigated to look for cytological evidences for origin of primary trisomics. Many viable F₁ seeds were obtained from reciprocal crosses between autotriploid and diploid. The number of chromosomes of 56 surviving progenies varied from 14 to 28, with plants having 2n = 15 occurring at the highest frequency (51.8%). Primary trisomics were firstly obtained in this study. Four types of primary trisomics were isolated and they could be distinguished from each other, as well as diploid. Variable chromosome configurations, e.g. univalent, bivalents and trivalents were observed in many pollen mother cells of the autotriploid at metaphase I. Binomial chromosome distribution was observed at anaphase I and frequency of 8/13 was 6.25%. The meiosis of autotriploid, especially the class of gametes with eight chromosomes, gave the cytological evidence of producing 2x + 1 type gamete and could be induced into primary trisomic plants from progeny of autotriploid–diploid crosses. These studies have established a ground work for selecting a series of primary trisomics, and further using them for associating linkage groups with specific chromosomes in cucumber.     

Mating interactions between coexisting dipoloid, triploid and tetraploid cytotypes ofHieracium Echioides (Asteraceae)

Experimental crosses between diploids, triploids and tetraploids ofHieracium echioides were made to examine mating interactions. Specifically, cytotype diversity in progeny from experimental crosses, intercytotype pollen competition as a reproductive barrier between diploids and tetraploids, and differences in seed set between intra- and intercytotype crosses were studied. Only diploids were found in progeny from 2x × 2x crosses. The other types of crosses yielded more than one cytotype in progeny, but one cytotype predominated in each cross type: diploids (92%) in 2x × 3x crosses, tetraploids (88%) in 3x × 2x crosses, triploids (96%) in 2x × 4x crosses, triploids (90%) in 4x × 2x crosses, tetraploids (60%) in 3x × 3x crosses, pentaploids (56%) in 3x × 4x crosses, triploids (80%) in 4x × 3x crosses and tetraploids (88%) in 4x × 4x crosses. No aneuploids have been detected among karyologically analyzed plants. Unreduced egg cell production was detected in triploids and tetraploids, but formation of unreduced pollen was recorded only in two cases in triploids. Triploid plants produced x, 2x and 3x gametes: in male gametes x (92%) gametes predominated whereas in female gametes 3x (88%) gametes predominated. Cytotype diversity in progeny from crosses where diploids and tetraploids were pollinated by mixture of pollen from diploid and tetraploid plants suggested intercytotype pollen competition to serve as a prezygotic reproductive barrier. No statistically significant difference in seed set obtained from intra- and intercytotype crosses between diploids and tetraploids was observed, suggesting the absence of postzygotic reproductive barriers among cytotypes.     

Genetic and cytogenetic analyses of the A genome of Triticum monococcum. IX. Cytological behaviour, phenotypic characteristics, breeding behaviour, and fertility of primary, double, and triple trisomics.

Cytogenetic studies in Triticum monococcum (2n = 2x = 14, AA) were initiated by generating a series of primary as well as double and triple trisomics from autotriploids derived from crosses between induced autotetraploids and a diploid progenitor. Analysis of meiotic chromosome behaviour revealed that, with the exception of primary trisomics for chromosome 7A, the chromosome present in triple dose in all other trisomics formed either a bivalent plus a univalent or a trivalent (always V shaped) at diakinesis - metaphase I in approximately equal proportions. Trisomics for chromosome 7A formed a bivalent plus a univalent or a trivalent in approximately a 1:2 ratio. About 99% of the anaphase I segregations in all the trisomics were seven to one pole and eight to the other, suggesting that primary trisomics in T. monococcum form n and n + 1 meiotic products in equal proportions. The double trisomics and triple trisomics formed 5 II + 2 III and 4 II + 3 III during metaphase I, respectively. A majority of the secondary meiocytes from the double and triple trisomics possessed unbalanced chromosome numbers. All the trisomics differed phenotypically from their diploid progenitors. Single primary trisomics for chromosomes 3A and 7A produced distinct morphological features on the basis of which they could be distinguished. The phenotypes of the double and triple trisomics deviated to a greater extent from that of diploids than those of the single trisomics. Less than 50% of the progeny of all primary trisomics were trisomics themselves. Trisomic progeny were not produced in diploid female x trisomic male crosses, indicating that functional n + 1 male gametes were not generated. Diploid as well as trisomic progeny were produced in the reciprocal crosses and upon self-fertilization of the trisomics. The average frequency of trisomic progeny was 9.9%. The fertility of primary trisomics ranged from 3.8% in trisomics for chromosome 1A to 40.6% in trisomics for chromosome 2A and was significantly less than that of diploids (99.6%). The breeding behaviour and low fertility of these trisomics make their maintenance and use in cytogenetic analyses difficult.     

Cytogeography and phenomenon of cytomixis in Silene vulgaris from cold regions of Northwest Himalayas (India)

Silene vulgaris is an important ethnobotanical species, but so far no thorough meiotic analysis has been performed, despite its wide occurrence in temperate and alpine Himalayas, this prompted us to undertake present study. We investigated original meiotic chromosome number and effect of cytomixis on meiotic course, microsporogenesis and pollen grain size and fertility. The paper also summarizes the previously published chromosome counts in the species and cytogeography of 2x and 4x cytotypes in the Indian Himalayas and elsewhere. Meiocytes preparations were made through standard squashed technique in 1 % acetocarmine. Two ploidy levels have been determined during the cytomorphological surveys, diploid (2n = 2x = 24) and tetraploid (2n = 4x = 48). Most of the presently scored populations were found to be diploid (2n = 2x = 24). Morphologically 2x and 4x individuals were indistinguishable from each other. Meiosis was perfectly normal in 4x cytotype. However, some of the 2x plants showed the phenomenon of cytomixis and associated meiotic abnormalities. Consequent to cytomixis, hypo-, hyperploid and enucleated pollen mother cells (PMCs) were resulted. Such PMCs combined with other meiotic abnormalities yielded sterile and variable sized pollen grains. On the basis of overall information, it is clear that 2x cytotype is the most widely distributed cytotype in the Indian Himalayas as well as elsewhere. On the other hand, the 4x cytotype seems to be less frequently present in the Indian Himalayas and outside of India.     

Post-zygotic gametic selection due to endosperm balance number explains unusual chromosome numbers of 3×× 2× progeny in Solanum

 Crosses between triploid and diploid genotypes are usually the best sources of trisomics in potato as well as in several other crop species. However, 3×× 2× crosses between triploid (2n=3×=36; 2EBN) Solanum commersonii-S. tuberosum hybrids and diploid (2n= 2×=24; 2EBN) genotypes gave progenies with a high number of extra chromosomes, 29–36, suggesting that only eggs with 17–24 chromosomes produced embryos that reached full development. Our hypothesis is that although triploids produce eggs with a range of chromosome numbers, 3×× 2× crosses involving a 2×(2EBN) parent favor eggs with a high chromosome number. These eggs have higher probabilities of possessing the same endosperm balance number (EBN) value (i.e. 1) of gametes produced by the 2EBN diploid parent to give the required 2:1 maternal to paternal EBN ratio in the hybrid endosperm. Under this model, trisomics are produced only if the diploid parent has an EBN of 1. Based on our results and those reported in the literature, it is proposed that in 3×(2EBN) × 2×(2EBN) crosses the endosperm balance number exercises negative selection for gametes with a low chromosome number, and a corresponding low EBN, and positive selection for gametes with a high chromosome number and EBN. Received: 2 April 1998 / Revision accepted: 27 October 1998     

PHENOTYPIC VARIATION IN TRISOMICS OF CLARKIA UNGUICULATA

Vasek , F. C. (U. California, Riverside.) Phenotypic variation in trisomics of Clarkia unguiculata. Amer. Jour. Bot. 50(4): 308–314. 1963.—Progenies of 3n × 2n crosses included, in addition to diploids, plants trisomic for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 chromosomes. Means and variances were calculated for 15 phenotypic traits, including 3 width/length ratios, in one set of progenies, and for 10 of the traits, including 2 of the ratios, in another set of progenies. In 25 trait comparisons, including 15 different traits, the means for each chromosome number class were heterogeneous in 11 comparisons, which included 8 different traits. Single trisomics differed significantly from diploids in 5 comparisons (4 different traits). Despite these significant differences the variation followed no particular pattern except that sepal length increased and pollen fertility decreased with chromosome number, and trisomics, as a group, sometimes differed from diploids with regard to the width/length ratio of leaves or petals. The variances were heterogeneous in 5 comparisons (4 different traits). Sepal length and pollen fertility were the only traits for which single trisomics were more variable than diploids and for which the entire population was more variable than diploids. In addition, in 4 progenies of self-pollinated trisomics, diploids and trisomics (which within each progeny were trisomic for the same Chromosome) differed significantly in mean value in only 3 traits (out of 60 trait comparisons). Variances were significantly different in 6 comparisons (4 different traits) but, surprisingly, diploids were more variable than trisomics in 3 of these 6 comparisons. Except for sepal length, pollen fertility and some width/length ratios, a wide variety and number of extra chromosomes rarely had a significant effect on the mean or variability of various phenotypic traits, and single specific extra chromosomes had very little effect except sometimes on pollen fertility or an occasional ratio. A large amount of variation, probably caused by the environment and the general genetic background, may obscure possible specific trisomic phenotypes. Morphological identification of specific trisomics is considered impractical in this species.     

Molecular and cytogenetic analyses provide evidence of the introgression of chromosomal segments from the wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis hystrix</Emphasis> into the cultivated cucumber through the bridge of a synthetic allotetraploid

Cucumis × hytivus (2n = 4× = 38) is a synthetic allotetraploid obtained from interspecific hybridization between the cucumber (2n = 2× = 14) and its wild relative C. hystrix (2n = 2× = 24). The synthesis of this species built a bridge for cucumber improvement through gene introgression. Allotriploid and introgression lines (ILs) have previously been produced and characterized with respect to morphology, cytology, and molecular markers. However, no clear evidence of how the chromosomal segments of C. hystrix were introgressed and inherited was found owing to the small size of chromosomes. In the present study, cucumber-C. hystrix introgression lines were developed by backcrossing the allotriploid to North China cucumber breeding line “P01” followed by self-pollination. The introgressed segments of C. hystrix in the ILs were revealed by meiotic pachytene chromosome analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on pachytene chromosomes using fosmid clones from cucumber, which confirmed that introgression occurred in the long arm of chromosome 7. Molecular analysis using a set of 53 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) indicated that the chromosomal segments of C. hystrix were introduced into 4 cucumber chromosomes, the short arms of chromosomes 2 and 6, and long arms of chromosomes 3 and 7. The inheritance of alien sequences in the long arm of chromosome 7 was investigated with 21 SSRs in self-pollinated progenies. C. hystrix-specific bands of several SSRs were still present in some individuals, indicating that the introgressed segment was partially preserved. The first unambiguous identification of alien chromosome segments in cucumber ILs using combined molecular cytogenetics could facilitate the determination of effects of wild alleles and promote cucumber improvement.     

SEX DETERMINATION IN DIPLOID-TRIPLOID CROSSES OF SPINACIA OLERACEA

Mahoney , D. L. Jules Janick , and E. C. Stevenson . (Purdue U., Lafayette, Ind.) Sex determination in diploid-triploid crosses of Spinacia oleracea. Amer. Jour. Bot. 46(5): 372–375. 1959.—Segregation for sex in spinach was studied in a series of diploid pistillate × triploid staminate crosses. The genetic data indicated that the functional gametes from staminate triploids were not confined to n and n + 1 types. Cytological analyses of progenies from a number of 2n ♀ × 3n (XYY and XYY) ♂ crosses revealed similar but non-homogeneous types of chromosome segregation. These crosses produced 49.3% diploids, 17.9% trisomies, 0.5% with 14 chromosomes, 1.2% with 16 chromosomes, 11.4% with 17 chromosomes, 18.9% triploids, and 0.8% with 19 chromosomes. The reciprocal crosses produced a higher percentage of aneuploid types including 1.7% with 15 chromosomes. Segregation for sex in each of the various chromosome numbered progeny of diploid-triploid crosses was presented and analyzed.     

Doubled haploids of novel trigenomic Brassica derived from various interspecific crosses

To develop doubled haploid (DH) mapping populations of hexaploid Brassica, 10 F₁ hybrids derived from crosses between allohexaploid Brassica parents were evaluated in this study. The allohexaploid Brassica parents were selfed progenies of unique interspecific crosses between Brassica rapa (genome AA) × B. carinata (BBCC), B. nigra (BB) × B. napus (AACC), and a complex cross between B. juncea (AABB), B. napus and B. carinata, with relatively stable chromosome number (2n = 54). Hexaploid status and chromosome behavior during meiosis I in four promising F₁ hybrids were assessed using microscopy and flow cytometry, and progeny were obtained following microspore culture. Hybrids H11-2 and H16-1 demonstrated higher amenability for embryo generation, plantlet regeneration, and frequency of production of DH microspore-derived progeny of hexaploid DNA content (6x) compared to hybrids H08-1 and H24-1. A total of 370 6x DH progeny were selected out of 693 plantlets from H11-2, 241/436 from H16-1, 23/54 from H08-1, and 21/56 from H24-1. DH progenies of hybrids H11-2 and H16-1 were then designated as promising mapping populations of a new hexaploid Brassica species.     

The use of primary trisomics for the localization of genes on the seven different chromosomes ofPetunia hybrida. I. Triplo V

Data on 3n×2n and 2n×3n crosses as a source of trisomics inPetunia are given. The delayed germination and retarded growth ofPetunia trisomics, in comparison with diploids, is mentioned. The application of recent fluorescence staining techniques to enzymatically macerated roottips made it possible to distinguish the seven chromosome pairs ofPetunia hybrida. With the aid of the standard karyogram, a number of primary trisomics could be identified. The origin of two primary trisomics is discussed. With these trisomics, some genetic factors, placed in linkage groups, have been localized on one of the chromosomes. This first localization concerns the linkage group, containing the geneUn (=Undulata) for flower shape. In a primary trisomic with the undulate flower shape, chromosome V proved to be present in triplicate. From the deviating ratios for the undulata character in crosses with this trisomic, it was concluded that the location of the linkage group containing the geneUn is on chromosome V.     

Unreduced gamete formation in wheat × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops</Emphasis> spp. hybrids is genotype specific and prevented by shared homologous subgenomes

Key message

The presence of homologous subgenomes inhibited unreduced gamete formation in wheat × Aegilops interspecific hybrids. Unreduced gamete rates were under the control of the wheat nuclear genome.

Abstract

Production of unreduced gametes is common among interspecific hybrids, and may be affected by parental genotypes and genomic similarity. In the present study, five cultivars of Triticum aestivum and two tetraploid Aegilops species (i.e. Ae. triuncialis and Ae. cylindrica) were reciprocally crossed to produce 20 interspecific hybrid combinations. These hybrids comprised two different types: T. aestivum × Aegilops triuncialis; 2n = ABDU^tC^t (which lack a common subgenome) and T. aestivum × Ae. cylindrica; 2n = ABDD^cC^c (which share a common subgenome). The frequency of unreduced gametes in F₁ hybrids was estimated in sporads from the frequency of dyads, and the frequency of viable pollen, germinated pollen and seed set were recorded. Different meiotic abnormalities recorded in the hybrids included precocious chromosome migration to the poles at metaphase I and II, laggards in anaphase I and II, micronuclei and chromosome stickiness, failure in cell wall formation, premature cytokinesis and microspore fusion. The mean frequency of restitution meiosis was 10.1 %, and the mean frequency of unreduced viable pollen was 4.84 % in T. aestivum × Ae. triuncialis hybrids. By contrast, in T. aestivum × Ae. cylindrica hybrids no meiotic restitution was observed, and a low rate of viable gametes (0.3 %) was recorded. This study present evidence that high levels of homologous pairing between the D and D^c subgenomes may interfere with meiotic restitution and the formation of unreduced gametes. Variation in unreduced gamete production was also observed between T. aestivum × Ae. triuncialis hybrid plants, suggesting genetic control of this trait.

     

Characterization of B chromosomes in Lilium hybrids through GISH and FISH

Supernumerary (B) chromosomes and small aberrant chromosomes were detected in Lilium hybrids and characterized through genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and florescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Two small, supernumerary or B chromosomes were detected as extra chromosomes in a tetraploid plant derived from chromosome doubling of a hybrid (2n = 2x = 24) between a cultivar of the Longiflorum (L) and the Trumpet (T) group. When this tetraploid LLTT hybrid was crossed with a triploid LLO hybrid (O = Oriental), the B chromosome was transmitted to 73.4 % of the progenies. Based on GISH and FISH characterization, it was shown that the B chromosome consisted of two identical arms, with 5S rDNA hybridizing to the majority of it, which were flanked by normal telomeres, suggesting that this is an isochromosome. In another population, which is a backcross progeny between a F1 hybrid of Longiflorum × Asiatic (LA) and its Asiatic parent, the former produced functional 2n gametes which resulted in a triploid LAA progeny (2n = 3x = 36), in which three exceptional plants possessed 35 normal chromosomes and a small aberrant chromosome instead of the expected normal number of 36. In all three cases, the small aberrant chromosomes were isochromosomes which had obviously originated during the first backcross generation. These three chromosomes showed normal telomeres and mitosis. In addition, one of the new generated chromosomes possessed two 45S rDNA sites in the proximal positions. These new arisen isochromosomes were proposed to originate from centric breakage and fusion of two short arms of the missing chromosome in three genotypes, respectively, based on the comparison of arm lengths as well as rDNA loci. Their relevance to the origin of Bs is discussed.     

Gametes with somatic chromosome number and their significance in interspecific hybridization in Fuchsia

Sexual polyploidization has both a theoretical as well as an applied significance. Morphological screening for large pollen grains and shape of pollen produced by the individual, cytological investigation of hybrid progeny, and unbalanced separation of chromosomes at anaphase I in pollen mother cells were used to detect the gametes with somatic chromosome number in Fuchsia. The interspecific hybrids of F. fulgens (sect. Ellobium) × F. magellanica (sect. Quelusia), F. fulgens (sect. Ellobium) × F. splendens (sect. Ellobium), and F. triphylla (sect. Fuchsia) × F. splendens (sect. Ellobium) produced at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, showed both large and normal pollen grains in the same anther indicating the presence of unreduced gametes. Cytological investigation carried out on the hybrid progeny of F. fulgens (diploid, 2n=22, sect. Ellobium) × F. magellanica (tetraploid, 2n=44, sect. Quelusia) and F. triphylla (diploid, sect. Fuchsia) × F. arborescens (diploid, sect. Schufia) revealed unexpected chromosome numbers of 2n=44 and 2n=33, respectively. In general, the hybrids showed low fertility caused by genetically unbalanced gametes resulted from random disjunction of chromosomes at anaphase I. Studies on meiosis together with the presence of different shapes and sizes of pollen grains in Fuchsia proved indirectly that unreduced gametes are the products of first division meiotic nuclear restitution. These unreduced gametes were viable irrespective of pollen shape, their predominance in the hybrids, nuclear DNA amount and species phylogenetic position.     

The role of triploids in the origin and evolution of polyploids of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Turnera sidoides</Emphasis> complex (Passifloraceae,Turneroideae)

Triploids can play an important role in polyploid evolution. However, their frequent sterility is an obstacle for the origin and establishment of neotetraploids. Here we analyzed the microsporogenesis of triploids (x?=?7) and the crossability among cytotypes of Turnera sidoides, aiming to test the impact of triploids on the origin and demographic establishment of tetraploids in natural populations. Triploids of T. sidoides exhibit irregular meiotic behavior. The high frequency of monovalents and of trivalents with non-convergent orientations results in unbalanced and/or non-viable male gametes. In spite of abnormalities in chromosome pairing and unbalanced chromosome segregation, triploids are not completely sterile and yielded up to 67% of viable pollen. Triploids that originated by the fusion of 2n?×?n gametes of the same taxon showed more regular meiotic behavior and higher fertility than triploids from the contact zone of diploids and tetraploids or triploids of hybrid origin. The reproductive isolation of T. sidoides cytotypes of different ploidy level is not strict and the ‘triploid block’ may be overcome occasionally. Triploids of T. sidoides produce diploid and triploid progeny suggesting that new generations of polyploids could originate from crosses between triploids or from backcrosses with diploids. The capability of T. sidoides to multiply asexually by rhizomes, would enhance the likelihood that a low frequency of neopolyploids can be originated and maintained in natural populations of T. sidoides.     

Ploidy-dependent survival of progeny arising from crosses between natural allotriploid Cobitis females and diploid C. taenia males (Pisces,Cobitidae)

Crosses between 21 triploid hybrid Cobitis females and 19 C. taenia (2n = 48) males led to viable progeny; whereas no embryonic development was observed in crosses with tetraploid males (4n = 98). The ploidy status of 491 progenies randomly selected with flow cytometry (316) or chromosome analysis (175) revealed an average of 55.2 % triploids and 44.8 % tetraploids, but the ratio of 3n versus 4n fish did change during development. In the first 2 days after hatching, approximately 65.1 % of tetraploid larvae were observed. Their number decreased significantly to 30.8 and 6.2 % on average during 2–5 and 10–15 months of life, respectively. The karyotype of tetraploid progeny (4n = 98) included 3n = 74 chromosomes of the parental female and n = 24 of C. taenia male. The number of tetraploid progeny indicated indirectly that about 66 % of eggs from 3n females were fertilized with C. taenia. The rest of the eggs developed clonally via gynogenesis or hemiclonally via hybridogenesis into triploids of the same karyotype structure as parental females. We have documented for the first time that (at least under experimental conditions) tetraploids are commonly formed, but are less viable than triploids, and a ratio similar to what is found under natural conditions is finally attained. The current explanation concerning the ploidy and karyotype structure of the progeny confirms that the eggs of 3n Cobitis females are not only capable of maintaining all chromosomes but are also capable of incorporating the sperm genome, thus creating the potential to produce tetraploids.     

萝卜与甘蓝属间杂种基因组原位杂交分析

用基因组原位杂交方法（Genomic in situ hybridization, 简称GISH）研究了萝卜( Raphanus sativus,2n=18,RR)和甘蓝（Brassica oleracea , 2n=18, CC）属间杂种F1减数分裂过程。结果表明杂种体细胞染色体组成为RC,2n=18,但花粉母细胞有三种不同类型：1. RC,2n=18, 终变期染色体平均配对构型为14.87Ⅰ+1.20Ⅱ+0.04Ⅲ+0.06Ⅳ, 染色体配对主要发生在萝卜和甘蓝染色体之间, 后期Ⅰ9条萝卜染色体主要以5/4和6/3的分离比移向两极, 所形成配子的染色体数目和组成均不平衡,配子败育; 2. RRCC,4n=36, 终变期染色体形成18个二价体,后期Ⅰ染色体均衡分离,形成RC不减数配子;3. RRCC缺体,4n=30－34, 少数萝卜染色体丢失,形成的配子具有全套的甘蓝染色体和部分萝卜染色体。     

TRISOMIC TRANSMISSION IN CLARKIA UNGUICULATA

Vasek , F. C. (U. California, Riverside.) Trisomic transmission in Clarkia unguiculata. Amer. Jour. Bot. 48(9): 829–833. 1961.—Seven primary trisomic plants derived from a triploid-diploid cross were self-pollinated. The 7 progenies included diploids and trisomics, the latter varying in frequency from 16 to 30%. In addition, 2 of the progenies included tetrasomic plants. Crosses were made between diploids and either trisomics or tetrasomics. The extra chromosome of 1 progeny was readily transmitted through the pollen of trisomic and tetrasomic plants. When a trisomic of the same progeny was used as a seed parent, only diploids and tetrasomics were found among the offspring, indicating a duplication of the extra chromosome. The extra chromosomes of other progenies were not transmitted through either pollen or eggs in controlled diploid-trisomic crosses but trisomics of these progenies were recovered after self-pollination. It is suggested that differential pollen-tube growth precluded transmission to diploid-trisomic hybrids and that under conditions of reduced pollen competition the extra chromosome normally would be transmitted through pollen. The extra chromosomes generally occur as univalents at metaphase and are ordinarily included in telophase nuclei.     

Trisomics and aneuploids of ryegrass

Summary Primary trisomics (2 n + 1 = 15), double trisomics (2 n + 1 + 1 = 16) and aneuploids with 24 to 30 chromosomes, as well as a diploid and tetraploids, were found in the progeny of a hypertriploid (2 n = 22) plant of perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L. Trisomics and double trisomics differed in their mean chromosome association, chiasma number and spike morphology. A few aneuploids and tetraploids had reciprocal translocations. The diploid, primary trisomics and tetraploids were more fertile than the double trisomics and aneuploids. Most trisomics and aneuploids were probably produced through female transmission. One double trisomic had a high univalent number, a low chiasma number and loose chromosome coiling. Both the extra chromosomes carried secondary constrictions. The gene for desynapsis might be located on one of these chromosomes.