Crossability relationship among tree willows (Salix spp.) and molecular genetic variation among their progenies

Abstract

Results on crossability among diffent species revealed higher compatibility rate for intra-specific crosses of Salix tetrasperma and S. matsudana as compared to inter-specific crosses. Crossing of different species within sub-genus Salix and among section were possible, whereas crossing of species between sub-genus Salix and Vetrix did not yield viable seed. S. tetrasperma from section Humboldtianae successfully crossed with members belonging to section Salix, Subalbae and Nigrae. S. babylonica of section Subalbae successfully crossed with member of section Humboldtianae and Salix. Maximum percentage (78.24 %) of successful crosses was recorded for intra-specific crosses involving S. matsudana (PN-227) and S. matsudana (PN-722). Among inter-specific crosses, percentage successful crosses varied between 42.86 per cent for S. matsudana (PN-227) x S. alba (SI-63-007) and 7.50 per cent for S. tetrasperma (LNF) x S. alba (SI-63-007). Maximum germination percentage (78.00 per cent) among interspecific hybrids was recorded for S. matsudana (PN-227) x S. alba (SI-63-007), whereas minimum (26.00 per cent) was registered for S. babylonica (FB) x S. tetrasperma (TFB). The RAPD fragments obtained after PCR amplification of ybrid [(S. tetrasperma (LG) x S. tetrasperma (TWE)] recorded 100 per cent and 70 per cent similarity with male and female parent respectively. Maximum similarity (96 %) with female parent was recorded in S. matsudana (PN-227) x S. matsudana (PN-722) suggesting dominating control of female parent.