THE EFFECT OF INTERSPECIFIC HYBRIDIZATION ON CERTAIN GENETIC RATIOS IN SWEET CLOVER

Abstract

In crosses involving derivatives of interspecific crosses of (Melilotus alba × Melilotus dentata) and (M. officinalis × M. alba) with pure Melilotus alba, irregular ratios were shown to be common. Previous studies using pure M. alba have indicated simple Mendelian inheritances for many of the characters studied herein. However, when interspecific derivatives are involved, some plants give F2 families that do not fit any Mendelian ratio. Data are presented indicating that in segregations where the deficiency occurs it is always in the genotype that has contributed the gene from the non-recurrent species. Investigations carried out in this study are designed to determine possible causes for these "blurred" ratios.