Potato breeding methods that utilize haploids of Solanum tuberosum group Tuberosum or group Andigena and 2n gametes exploit the genetic diversity, including both valuable traits and allelic diversity, available in exotic germ plasm. Three essential components are involved: (i) the wild and cultivated 2x relatives of the cultivated 4x potato are a valuable source of genetic diversity; (ii) haploids (2n = 2x = 24) of cultivars (2n = 4x = 48) are effective in capturing diversity (germ plasm enhancement); (iii) 2n gametes, resulting from first division restitution, are an efficient method of transmitting this genetic diversity to cultivated 4x potatoes. Heterosis for total and marketable tuber yield and specific gravity occurs in 4x families from crosses between 4x cultivars and 2x haploid Tuberosum × 'Phureja' hybrids. Selected 4x clones from relatively small 4x × 2x families have been released as cultivars based on their earliness and heat tolerance in the tropics. Other 4x clones from 4x × 2x crosses, where the 2x parents were haploid – wild species hybrids, have good yield, excellent tuber type, high specific gravity, low reducing sugars, storage quality, and stress tolerance. The seedling vigor, uniformity, and large tuber yields of progeny from 4x × 2x crosses also makes this an effective breeding method for producing potatoes from true potato seed. This breeding method is also being successfully exploited in alfalfa, red clover, sweet potatoes, yams and several species of grasses, fruits, and ornamentals.Key words: potato, haploids, 2n gametes, germ plasm, allelic diversity.
A group of 35 defective kernel (dek) mutants in maize has been studied with regard to their effect on endosperm development. Information is reported on kernel weight, kernel viability, mutant transmission, DNA content per endosperm nucleus, endosperm cell numbers during development, and DNA endoreduplication patterns. All of the dek mutations reduced mitotic activity and resulted in greatly reduced cell numbers. All except one mutation decreased DNA endoreduplication. The exception indicates that the processes of mitotic activity and endoreduplication can be uncoupled. Notable differences in DNA endoreduplication patterns were observed among the dek strains. Defective kernels with homozygous defective embryos did not germinate in any of these strains, although some morphologically defective kernels did germinate and were shown to have normal embryos of +/+ or +/dek genotype. Dek mutants that had a defective endosperm and an embryo that developed normally were not identified. The mutations investigated are recessive, but F2 segregation for many of the mutants revealed significant deviations from expected 3:1 ratios.Key words: defective kernels, endosperm, endoreduplication.
An effective method of incorporating germplasm of wild 2x Solanum species into the cultivated potato is through hybridization with haploids of 4X S. tuberosum Group Tuberosum. This procedure provides for the introduction of desirable traits and genetic diversity from wild species into potato. Haploid and wild species genotypes can be evaluated for parental value based on the presence of good tuberization, desirable traits, fertility, and 2n gametes in their hybrid progeny. Haploid-wild species hybrids may be intercrossed and evaluated at the 2x level to take advantage of diploid genetic ratios. Selected 2x genotypes may then be brought to the 4x level through sexual polyploidization with 2n gametes.
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