Interspecitic hybridization between Populus albaL, x P. euphraticaOllV. usingln vitro technique

An in vitro method was used to produce hybrid poplar plants between Populus alba L. and P. euphratica OLIV in two directions. Developed ovaries and ovules were isolated from P. alba L. female branches, Which had been, pollinated with P. euphratica pollen grains by using twig and pot breeding technique. The same procedure was carried out for isolation of developed P. euphratica OLIV ovaries and ovules which had been pollinated with Populus alba L. pollen grain on mature trees. Isolated ovaries and ovules of both crosses were then transferred to growth regulator free half concentrated MS agar medium for embryo germination. Fourteen days old Populus alba L. ovary and ovule embryos produced the highest number of plantlets, While 45 days old ovary and ovule embryos of P. euphratica OLIV were necessary to obtain hybrid plants. Maximum two to three plantlets were observed per both Populusalba L. and P. euphratica OLIV ovary culture. Ninety percent of pollinated P. euphratica OLIV and Populus alba L. ovules successfully produced plantlets, whereas the efficiency of pollinated ovaries to produce plantlets was 70% for Populus alba L. and 67% for P. euphratica OLIV. Plantlets were cultured in the same medium in jars, before being transferred to potting soil. Seventy-five interspecific P. alba L. x P. euphratica OLIV. and twenty-six of P. euphratica OLIV. x Populus alba L. hybrid plants were successfully acclimatized in greenhouse.