Intraspecific variation in Aegilops variabilis and Ae. Kotschyi revealed by chromosome pairing in F₁ hybrids

Abstract

Sixty two strains of Aegilops variabilis and 21 of Ae. kotschyi collected in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey were crossed with a common pollen parent (Ae, variabilis var. intermedia KU 13-3) and their F₁′s were analysed with respect to chromosome pairing and pollen fertility. Chromosome pairing varied continuously from starin to strain. But, Ae. variabilis and Ae. Kotschyi were tentatively classified into two and three pairing types, respectively. Main factor of variation in chromosome structure of Ae. variabilis was found to be reciprocal translocation. Other factors in Intraspecific chromosome variation were also discussed. It is pointed out that Ae. kotschyi differs variously from Ae. variabilis.