Aneuploidy in intergeneric crosses between FRAGARIA х ANANASSA DUCH. х POTENTILLA ANSERINA L

Taxonomic relationship between Fragaria L. and Potentilla L. representatives is actively discussed today in the context of phylogenetic analysis by molecular markers and hybridization results. According to the data published, crosses between F. х ananassa Duch. (8x) х P anserina L. (4x) produce haploids, parthenogenetic seedlings (8x) and aneuploids. No viable progenies have been obtained. Our long-standing research in F. х ananassa х P anserina hybridization was targeted at obtaining 8x agamospermic progenies and studying their genetic variability. In one of the experiments, when P. anserina pollen was used in crosses, along with 2n = 56 matromorphous seedlings, an absolutely sterile seedling No. 89-3 was produced, which insignificantly differed from F. х ananassa by its phenotype, thus matching the Fragaria type. Chromosome number in root apical meristem cells appeared to be 2n = 6x = 42, being intermediate between the crossed parental forms. The absence of any morphological traits of the pollen parent (P. anserine) showed the need to make molecular genetic analysis in order to prove its hybrid origin. Methods. To trace its origin, the techniques of Polygalacturonase Inhibitor Proteins (PGIPs) PCR and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) PCR analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were applied to F. х ananassa х P anserina seedlings. The study showed that seedling No. 89-3 and the parthenogenetic progenies are identical and correspond to the mother form (F. х ananassa). Hence, eliminating 14 chromosomes of F. х ananassa and 14 chromosomes of P. anserina during the first divisions of a zygote (2n = 70) should be considered as the most likely scenario for the 2n = 42 chromosome number development in the studied No. 89-3, so the genetic material of P. anserina was absent in the embryo’s somatic cells. Development of aneuploids and parthenogenetic seedlings (8x) in the crosses of F. х ananassa х P anserina makes it possible to study additional mechanisms of variability appearing in the Fragaria genus. Reproductive isolation of an aneuploid, due to its complete sterility, limits its use solely to a cover plant’s role. In addition, its herbage biomass may be used for making fermented tea.