Interspecific hybrids and possible phylogenetic relations in grain amaranths

Phylogenetic relations among the three species in grain amaranth need investigation to provide information for breeding experiments germplasm conservation efforts, and decision on evolutionary patterns in the grain types. Hybrid development from crosses between species was studied to find out genetic relationship between them. Interspecific crosses were made among Amaranthus hypochondriacus, A. caudatus and A. cruentus in the glasshouse. The F sub(1) plants were relatively easy to obtain but had low pollen fertility (10.3-15.1%) and low seed set. A few of these hybrids did not produce seeds.