New interspecific hybrids in Lathyrus(Leguminosae): Lathyrus annuus× L. hierosolymitanus

Experimental hybridization, cytogenetic observations, flower pigment analyses and scanning electron microscope observations of seed coat features were used to investigate the relationship between L. annuusL. and L. hierosolymitanusBoiss. Pod width, seed size, shape and surface ornamentation proved to be good diagnostic criteria for distinguishing the two taxa. Hybridization between various accessions of the two species revealed variation both between and within accessions. Enhanced anthocyanin levels were detected in the standard petals of the reciprocal hybrids made between two specific accessions of L. annuusand L. hierosolymitanus. The results of the investigations support the retention of L. annuusand L. hierosolymitanusas separate species.