Characterizing jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) × winter wheat hybrids in Oklahoma

The introduction of imazamox-tolerant winter wheat has created an interest in jointed goatgrass × winter wheat hybrids because of the potential for transferring resistance to jointed goatgrass. The literature is void of any information about the occurrence of hybrids in Oklahoma. Therefore, jointed goatgrass × winter wheat hybrids were identified and harvested for characterization and spikelet viability from 2000 to 2002. Mature hybrid height varied from 46 to 114 cm, and spike length varied from 5.0 to 13.8 cm. Hybrid spike color at harvest was darker than mature wheat spike color, and mature hybrid spikes disarticulated intact, unlike jointed goatgrass. More hybrid plants were produced when jointed goatgrass was grown with ‘Dominator’ wheat than with other cultivars. Hybrid spikelet germination was 0.42, 0.97, and 1.10% in 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively. Nomenclature: Jointed goatgrass, Aegilops cylindrica Host. AEGCY; jointed goatgrass × winter wheat hybrid, [Aegilotriticum sancti-andreae (Degen) Soó]; winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L.