Distribution and significance of diplandroids among the diploid solanums

Clones of several diploid species capable of generating diplandroids (2n pollen) were identified by screening for the occurrence of 2n pollen. Diplandroid production was detected inSolatium bukasovi, S. canasense,S. cardiophyllum, S. chacoense, S. leptostigma, S. megistacrolobum, S. tarijense, S. tuberosum Group Phureja and Group Stenotomum. Parallel spindles at Ana II was the mechanism producing 2n pollen inS. chacoense, Group Phureja, and Group Stenotomum. The widespread distribution both taxonomically and geographically suggests a possible role for diplandroids in evolution. It also encourages exploration of a proposed breeding method in which tetraploids are generated from 2x × 2x matings.