Genetic characterization and pollen viability of a natural putative hybrid of Begonia boliviensis × B. micranthera (Begoniaceae) from Argentina. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrada, Aldo R.; Páez, Valeria de los A.; Silenzi Usandivaras, Gabriela Maria; Tebbitt, Mark C.; Albornoz, Patricia Liliana; Vellicce, Gabriel Ricardo
• Is Part Of: Botany letters. Volume 170:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 139
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Chromosomes -- hybridization -- ITS2 sequence -- rbcL sequence -- meiotic behaviour -- pollen fertility; Botany -- Periodicals; Botany; Botany; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodical; 580
• DOI: 10.1080/23818107.2022.2135020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2381-8107

Abstract

ABSTRACT: An orange-flowered natural putative hybrid of Begonia boliviensis × B. micranthera was recently discovered from Calilegua National Park in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Propionic hematoxilyn method was applied to study its chromosomal behavior during meiosis, Müntzing's stain solution was used to determine pollen grain fertility and ITS2 and rbc L sequences were amplified to help confirm the parentage of the putative hybrid. This plant has a gametophytic chromosome number of n = 13, very regular meiotic behavior and an intermediate percentage of viable pollen compared to other studied natural putative hybrids. The ITS2 sequence data support the parentage of the putative hybrid begonia but sequence comparison shows its ITS2 sequence is more similar to B. micranthera than to B. boliviensis . The molecular marker rbc La revealed that there are no differences between the sequences for B. boliviensis, B. micranthera and the putative hybrid. Begonia boliviensis × B. micranthera is a diploid plant that, due to its moderately high pollen fertility (43.3%) compared to other natural Begonia hybrids (which are often sterile) and regular meiosis, would likely be able to self-cross or cross with other begonia taxa.