Identification of 2n-pollen producing interspecific hybrids of Lilium using flow cytometry

DNA-content of nuclei from pollen was determined using flow cytometry. The pollen from diploid genotypes gave rise to a 1C- and a 2C-peak of identical size, representing the vegetative and the generative nuclei. Pollen of the interspecific hybrid (L. auratum×L. henryi) presented only 2C- and 4C-peaks, while in the interspecific hybrids (L.בEnchantment’×L.pumilum) 1C-, 2C- and 4C-peaks were distinguished. The different C-levels, representing the DNA-contents of the generative and vegetative nuclei in G1 and G2 phase respectively, can be related to haploid and diploid pollen. Results of a meiotic analysis, a number of crossing experiments and pollen measurements agreed with the outcome of the flow cytometric determinations. The flow cytometry method enables the large scale screening of collections of genotypes for their potential of 2n-pollen production.