Germination and Morphology of Progeny From Controlled Pollinations of Eucalyptus nitens (Deane & Maiden) Maiden

Abstract

The germination and morphology of progeny from interspecific and intraspecific controlled pollinations on Eucalyptus nitens mothers were examined.

All interspecific hybrids were morphologically intermediate overall with respect to parental controls, as determined by discriminant function analyses. Single univariate characters displayed additive inherit- ance on 72% of the 154 occasions where differences amongst hybrids and parents were significant. The degree of dominance of characters is discussed.

Compared with outcrossing, self-fertilisation resulted in lower seed viability and a higher incidence of abnormality and mortality in developing E. nitens seedlings. Outcrossed progeny were generally distinctly different from appropriate parental controls. Reciprocal crosses were very similar, indicating no observable maternal effects.