Restricted branching narrow-leafed lupin. 2. Cross-pollination

Abstract

The restricted branching character appears to be unstable in some genotypes of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.). This study investigated random cross-pollination as a possible cause. Restricted and normal branching genotypes with different flower colours were grown in field plots, the progeny seed was sown, and the frequencies of off-flower colours, indicating cross-pollination, were recorded. Six pairs of genotypes were studied and there was no detectable cross-pollination in 3 pairs, <0.1% in 1 pair, and about 2% in the other 2 pairs. Cross-pollination appears to be related to genotype and there was no relationship with position of the mother plant in the plot, flower position on the mother plant, or architecture (branching habit). Most cross-pollination was on blue-flowering mother plants.