Chromosome doubling and mode of reproduction of induced tetraploids of eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.)

Abstract

Eastern gamagrass, (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) is a perennial, warm-season grass that is being developed as a forage plant. Shoots were derived from callus initiated from immature embryos and immature inflorescences of diploid (2n=2x=36) gynomonoecious eastern gamagrass. These shoots were induced to microtiller in the presence of 3 mg/l benzyladenine. Amiprophosmethyl (10, 15, or 20 μm) was applied to 27 microtillers for 3–5 days to induce chromosome doubling. All 14 surviving plants were tetraploid, (2n=4x=72), as determined by flow cytometry or chromosome counts. These plants were morphologically normal and produced seed. Test crosses were made with a known diploid. Flow cytometry and chromosome counts showed that the progeny were triploid, proving that the induced tetraploids reproduce sexually.