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.