Stability in chromosome number and DNA content in synthetic tetraploids of Lolium multiflorum after two generations of selection

ABSTRACT: Chromosome doubling of Italian ryegrass genotypes ( Lolium multiflorum Lam.) adapted to the brazilian edaphoclimatic conditions is an important strategy used by breeders and aims to obtain more vigorous genotypes with better forage quality and disease resistance. The effectiveness of chromosome doubling can be measured by genetic stability and fertility rates of plants over generations. However, a common problem in the polyploidization process is the regeneration of mixoploid plants that have impaired fertility and genetic stability. The objective of this study was to verify if progenies of recently tetraploidized plants remain stable regarding DNA content and chromosome number, over two generations. Progenies of L. multiflorum plants artificially tetraploidized with colchicine treatment were evaluated. Chromosome counting and estimates of the DNA content were used to evaluate the genetic stability. The percentage of tetraploid plants (4X) increased over generations (18%, 34% and 91% in cycle 0, 1 and 2, respectively). All progenies identified as tetraploid by flow citometry showed variation in chromosome number (mixoploidy), but produced viable seeds. Results showed that stabilization in chromosome number and DNA content in tetraploidized plant progenies requires time and that the success of this procedure depends on a continuous and accurate screening and selection