A potential solution to the chromosome instability problem in hexaploid alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.

Abstract

Autohexaploid alfalfa (2n = 6x = 48) is chromosomally unstable, which prevents commercial use. The objective of this investigation was to test whether synthesizing Medicago hexaploids (2n = 6x = 48) that are alloautohexaploids results in chromosomally stable hexaploid populations. Previous research in our laboratory demonstrated a lack of affinity between the genomes of alfalfa and M. papillosa Boiss. Triploid (2n = 3x = 24) interspecific hybrids with two M. papillosa genomes and one genome of M. sativa were readily recovered from seed following the cross (2x) M. sativa × (4x) M. papillosa. For this study, the triploids were chromosomally doubled to produce alloautohexaploids, and these alloautohexaploids were used to test chromosome stability in hexaploids with no more than four homologous genomes. Chromosome counts of 47 progeny from intercrossing the alloautohexaploids demonstrated all were hexaploid, indicating chromosome stability. Designing novel genomic combinations based on genomic affinity may result in higher yielding alfalfa populations that have a modified cytogenetic structure.Key words: Medicago cancellata, Medicago papillosa, Medicago saxatilis, genomic affinity, hexaploids.