Molecular cytogenetic analyses of hexaploid lines spontaneously appearing in octoploid Triticale

Genome characterization of 14 hexaploid lines that spontaneously appeared in octoploid Triticales was carried out by sequential genomic in situ hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization, high molecular weight glutenin subunits and SSR marker analyses. All of the lines showed a chromosome constitution of complete A and B genomes, and a composite genome consisting of the chromosomes of D and R genomes. The composite genome of the 11 lines consisted of chromosomes 1R, 2D, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R and 7R, that of the two lines were 1D, 2D, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R and 7R, and that of one line was 1R, 2D, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6D and 7R. The incompatibility of the D and R genomes in common wheat genetic background, preferential retention of chromosome 2D and importance of these lines for the development of hexaploid Triticale are discussed in this report.