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A genetic map of Lolium has been produced using isozyme, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and random amplified poiymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers applied to a segregating family derived from an F[sub1] hybrid plant of L. perenne × L. multiflorum provenance, crossed on to a doubled haploid L. perenne A total of 106 markers, out of a total of 160 polymorphic loci analysed, have been ascribed to seven linkage groups covering a map distance of 692 CM. Two of these groups may be allocated to chromosomes 2 and 6 of the Loliurn genome. The remaining unallocated markers, the majority of which showed severe segregation distortion, could be associated into small groups of two or three markers which showed no linkage with the main groups at a LOD of 24.8 or, if associated, could not be mapped in a satisfactory manner. This high incidence of disturbed segregations could be accounted for by the use of an interspecific hybrid between two species of differing genome size, with consequent cytological imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to establish an appropriate breeding programme, the reproductive system of a population of Lolisium rigidum Gaud. from Sardinia was analyzed to determine the mechanisms operational in this species. A dual approach was adopted of genotype assay, exploiting the polymorphism at the PGI-2 locus, and an assessment of the effects of inbreeding on agronomic characters. The statistical analysis showed highly significant differences for the number of plants due to selfing among the 35 progenies obtained by controlled crossing of genotypes homozygous for different alleles at the PGI-2 locus. The greatest inbreeding effect was on dry matter yield. Although at a bulk population level the species is outbreeding, highly self-compatible plants can be found within this naturally-derived population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]