Micropropagation of intra and interspecific Lens hybrids

An intraspecific (Tetir × ILL 323) and an interspecific (Alpo × L. odemensis) lentil hybrid were multiplied in vitro in three consecutive micropropagation cycles to increase the production of F2 seeds. Cloning efficiencies were slightly higher for Tetir × ILL323 (83%) compared to Alpo × L. odemensis (67%). A total of 982 F2 seeds were produced in the experiment with Alpo × L. odemensis, consisting of the 334 F2 seeds of the original hybrid and 648 F2 seeds produced by the 12 plants cloned; consequently, F2 seed production was increased three-fold over the original hybrid (194%). A total of 6050 F2 seeds were produced in the experiment with Tetir × ILL 323, made up of the 483 F2 seeds of the original hybrid and 5567 F2 seeds produced by the 15 plants cloned; therefore, F2 seed production was increased by more than twelve-fold over the original hybrid (1153%). In both hybrids the F2 seed production of cloned plants diminished in the three consecutive multiplication cycles, with the plants having experienced less vegetative development. In lentil, F2 seed production of cloned plants is related for the first time to the length of their period of vegetative development. In conclusion, micropropagation of hybrids is an interesting tool to construct from a single individual large F1 populations that enable to increase by a manifold the production of F2 seeds useful for genetic studies and breeding.