The origin and evolution of a hybrid species complex in the genus Brassica (cabbage, turnip, mustard, rapeseed oil) has been explored through mutational analysis of the maternally inherited chloroplast genome. A detailed chloroplast DNA phylogeny enables identification of the maternal parent for most of the amphidiploids examined and permits quantitative resolution of the relative time of hybridization as well as the relative divergence of the diploid parents. Contradictory chloroplast and nuclear phylogenies obtained for two accessions of the amphidiploid B. napus (rapeseed oil) lead to the hypothesis that introgressive hybridization has also figured in their recent evolution.

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Spontaneous polyploidy, aneuploidy, and chromosomal rearrangements were observed in callus and suspension cultures of Hordeum vulgare, H. jubatum, and their interspecific hybrid. The extent to which each class of chromosomal variability was present in a culture depended upon differentiated state, age, and history. Cytological and isozymic analysis of subdivided callus cultures revealed spatial segregation of chromosomal variability. Cytogenetic analyses were performed to determine the expression of this in vitro chromosomal variability in corresponding regenerated plant tissues. A complete loss of polyploidy and a decrease in aneuploidy and chromosomal rearrangements were observed. Analyses of specific isozyme activities in regenerates suggested that a quantitative segregation of H. vulgare and H. jubatum genomes had occurred in tissue cultures of their interspecific hybrid. Possible uses of in vitro chromosomal variability for plant breeding and genetical studies are discussed.

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