Effect of gamma-ray irradiation on hybridization between Chamaecyparis obtusa S. et Z. and C. pisifera S. et Z

The effect of gamma irradiation on the interspecific hybridization between Chamaecyparis obtusa and C. pisifera was investigated, and F1 seedlings were examined cytologically. Acute gamma irradiation and chronic gamma irradiation given throughout annual growing seasons on male flowers were effective in producing hybrids between these two species. The crossing of C. obtusa x C. pisifera was better than the reverse crossing because the pollen of C. obtusa rapidly loses its fertility, and C. pisifera blooms earlier than C. obtusa. Chronic gamma irradiation of male flowers throughout the annual growing season was slightly effective for producing the hybrids, but that of female flowers was not. Acute gamma irradiation of male flowers at the first to second telophase (300 R) was considered to be desirable for hybrid production. However, it was confirmed by cytological observation that all of the hybrids produced were triploid which had two identical genomes originated from either parent. Therefore, the unreduced male gametophytes or unreduced eggs seem to participate in the formation of the hybrids. It seems difficult to produce diploid hybrids between C. obtusa and C. pisifera. (Kaihara, S.)