Development of a triticale resistant to the greenbug: an historical perspective

A greenbug [Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)] resistant strain of rye (Secale cereale L.) 'Insave F.A.' from Argentina was crossed with 'Chinese Spring' wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and also with 'Elbon' and 'Balbo' cultivars of common rye. Juvenile plants of the primary wheat X rye hybrid were treated with colchicine. Partially fertile amphidiploid were obtained that are resistant to greenbug Biotype B and C. F sub(1) and F sub(2) populations of seedling plants derived from crosses of 'Insave F.A.' with 'Elbon' and 'Balbo' rye were tested for reaction to the greenbug to determine the genetic basis of inheritance. The results confirmed previous reports that resistance in 'Insave F.A.' is conditioned by a single dominant gene.