Genetic factors influencing regeneration ability in rye (Secale cereale L.). I. Immature inflorescences.

Immature inflorescences of ten rye inbred lines (inbred degree S10 and S11) were cultured on solidified MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/dm(3) of 2,4-D. According to their capability for callus production explants were classified into two groups : responsive (giving weak or intensive callus production) and non responsive (lack of callus formation). After transferring responsive material into hormone-free medium the regeneration of roots or shoots from the intensive growing callus was observed. Consistent differences between lines in the portion of explants with a certain response were found. They were divided into five groups reacting in the same way. Lines with different in-vitro response were crossed in an incomplete diallel. F1, F2 and F3 generations were analyzed and the following conclusions drawn: the ability for plant regeneration from immature inflorescences in rye is determined by numerous loci, has a recessive character, and both callus production and regeneration suppression may be controlled by complementary genes.