The Fastest and Most Reliable Identification of True Hybrids in the Genus L.

After crosses, the identification of true hybrids is not only the most important step in the initiation of a breeding program but also plays a crucial role in the improvement of hybrid varieties. However, current morphological or molecular-based hybrid identification methods are time-consuming and costly approaches that require knowledge and skill, as well as specific lab equipment. In the current study, , direct or immediate effect of pollen on seeds was used to identify true hybrids in the genus L. for the first time without growing F plants. The current study was therefore aimed to (i) elucidate the effect on seeds in intra- and interspecific crosses between L. subsp. var. or var. L. Poir. and its wild relatives, including subsp. (M. Bieb.) Aschers & Graebn. and Sibth. & Sm., and (ii) illuminate the beneficialness of the effect in a practical improvement of the genus L. The pea cultivars, including subsp. var. and subsp. var. were therefore crossed with subsp. and , and the occurrence of the effect was studied on the seeds of fertilized female plants immediately after the crosses. It was concluded that using the effect for the early detection of true hybrid immediately after crossing was not only the fastest, most reliable, and least expensive option as early selection criteria, but that also provided information about dominant seed and pod traits after double fertilization.