New sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) cultivars via interspecific hybridization with wild Lathyrus species

Interspecific hybridization using wild species of Lathyrus has been used to introduce new genes into the sweet pea. Two main goals are being pursued. These are yellow flower colour and improved heat tolerance in L. odoratus cultivars. In general hybrids were difficult to make and embryo culture was needed to rescue the embryos in some species combinations. Hybridization, was only possible between species with the same overall karyotype pattern. The results of this programme are very encouraging and significant new cultivars are expected in the near future.