Intergeneric protoplast fusion between Brassica carinata and Camelina sativa

Abstract

Camelina sativa is a wild crucifer that is reported to be resistant to Alternaria blight. Polyethylene glycol mediated fusion was attempted between protoplasts from etiolated hypocotyls of Brassica carinata; mesophyll protoplasts of Camelina sativa. The mean frequency of heterokaryons was 6.8%. Three hybrid shoots were regenerated; each from a single fusionderived callus. These shoots failed to produce roots capable of withstanding transplantation. Confirmation of hybridity was obtained from the morphology of in vitro produced leaves; somatic chromosome number in leaf tips; restriction fragment length polymorphism for a nuclear rDNA probe. Analysis for organelle constitution using RFLPs indicated that the hybrid contained chrloroplasts derived from the wild species; mitochondria from the cultivated Brassica species.