Abstract
Protoplast fusion and culture of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. and birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus L. were examined. Protoplasts of birdsfoot trefoil were treated with 5 mM iodo-acetamide to inhibit cell division, and protoplasts of alfalfa which divided at the early stage of culture, but could not form colonies were used. It was expected that only heterokaryotic protoplasts may form calli. However, only two calli obtained through protoplasts fusion using polyethylene glycol (PEG) showed different characteristics from those of either parent, while most of the calli showed characteristics of birdsfoot trefoil. One of these calli was found to be a somatic hybrid based on isozyme analysis and chromosome observation. However, hybrid plants have not been regenerated from the calli.
