Identification of Genes Causing Hybrid Necrosis in Bread Wheat

Seedling mortality due to hybrid necrosis was observed in the cross PBW 443/HUW 533. Detailed information was generated by developing BC₁, BC₂ and F₂ generations and evaluating them in the field along with parents and F₁,s to examine the genetics of necrosis. The results revealed that this particular combination has varying degree of hybrid necrosis in F₁, BC₁ and F₂ generations but the BC₂ generation showed high degree of necrosis as all the plants died before the crown root initiation (CRI) stage. The present study suggests that some seeds may be obtained by crossing even the carrier of Ne₁ and Ne₂ genes through bridge crosses i.e. involving a third parent which carry inhibitor gene or a gene that modifies the complementary action of Ne₁ and Ne₂ genes.