Notification of the Release of Annual Ryegrass Genetic Stock IL1

Within the Festuca-Lolium genome complex there is a need for the rapid development of improved germplasm resources. Traditional recurrent selection methods for population or synthetic development are labor intensive and time consuming. One objective of our research is to identify novel genetic methods that will enhance traditional breeding methods and facilitate the development of improved Lolium spp. germplasm resources. IL1 (Reg. No. GS-9, PI 660129) is a wide-based, diploid (2n = 2x = 14), early maturing, annual ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. subsp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot (syn. Lolium multiflorum Lam.)] genetic stock that has the ability to induce genome or chromosome loss when hybridized with other Lolium species. IL1 was developed from a population segregating for a low level of pollen sterility. IL1 has been identified to produce dihaploid lines following interspecific Lolium x Festuca hybridizations either through chimeral sectors or through rare seed development. The hybrids are capable of producing viable seed via genome loss and a infrequency parthenogenic response. Utilizing these materials with a complementary breeding approach may provide for the development of new and superior Lolium spp. cultivars. The release of this material will be of value to researchers of Lolium spp. breeding programs focused on developing improved germplasm.