Re: Japanese-Siberian hybrids
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Japanese-Siberian hybrids
- From: B* S* <b*@tiger.hsc.edu>
- Date: Fri, 23 Jan 1998 12:18:44 -0700 (MST)
>Hi everybody,
>Just had to jump in here. I really respect what you are saying Bill but
>can you tell me precisely what the proof would be? Or point me to
>something that I can read about how one determines this.
>Remember, I'm an admitted 'greenie' in this area...I know nothing but I'm
>wanting to learn!
Lane--
Hybrid nature could be locked down in two ways: the seedlings should show a
chromosome number half that of the total chromosome count of the two
parents combined. DNA restriction enzyme studies should also show
contributions from both parents. But unless someone with a lab and
experience in these techniques takes an interest, we are unlikely to see
such proof.
Intersectional hybrids can be readily accepted in cases in which 1) the
cross was difficult to make and yielded few fertile seeds, 2) the
offspring are relatively uniform among themselves (if the cross is between
two species, not two hybrids), 3) are roughly intermediate between the two
parents, and 4) themselves have very limited fertility or are sterile.
This has been the experience with virtually every single previously
reported successful intersectional cross in the genus Iris.
In this case the purported cross was easily made, the offspring are nearly
identical to one or the other supposed parent, and far from uniform,
surpassing even the variation one would expect in crossing two hybrid
parents, and are evidently fully fertile.
Given these facts, I can't accept that these plants are true
Japanese-Siberian hybrids.
Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@hsc.edu>
