Interspecific hybridization between Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek and V. glabrescens

Interspecific hybrids of the mungbean, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek (2n=22) and V. glabrescens (2n=44) were generated with the aid of embryo culture. V. glabrescens x V. radiata hybrids were recovered via germination of the immature embryos. Reciprocal hybrids were obtained via shoot formation from embryonic callus. The authenticity of the hybrids was determined by morphological characteristics, chromosome number, and isozyme patterns. The hybrids were highly sterile upon selfing, but backcrossing to the diploid parent yielded viable seeds. Some of the plants resembled the diploid parent morphologically while others resembled neither parent. The backcross plants were sufficiently fertile to give a large number of mature, selfed seeds. Plants obtained differed morphologically and in their isozyme patterns from either parent, indicating introgression. These progeny populations will be used as bridging materials to transfer pest resistance from the wild tetraploid to the cultivated mungbean.