Genome-dependent chromosome dynamics in three successive generations of the allotetraploid Festuca pratensis × Lolium perenne hybrid

We focus on the identification of complete and recombined ribosomal DNA-bearing chromosomes, and the dynamics of chromosomal number and position of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) loci in the F(2)-F(4) generations derived from the F(1) hybrid of Festuca pratensis Huds. (2n = 4x = 28) × Lolium perenne L. (2n = 4x = 28). Lolium genomic DNA and rRNA genes were mapped by means of genomic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (GISH and FISH). The results revealed that plants of the three generations share various rDNA loci profiles with chromosome structural changes, possibly as a result of chromosomal inter- and intra-rearrangements. We observed an asymmetrical variation in the number of recombinant arms with and without rDNA loci between parental genomes. The Lolium genome was more affected by rearrangements in arms with rDNA loci, while Festuca was more affected in arms without them. Statistically significant differences between L. perenne and F. pratensis genomes concerned the number of recombined chromosomes without rDNA, and the number of recombined rDNA-bearing chromosomal arms of marked chromosomes, showing a tendency of F. pratensis genome-like chromosomes to be less stable, compared with L. perenne. We postulate a novel genome-dependent range and type of chromosome variation in plants of the F(2)-F(4) generations derived from F. pratensis × L. perenne hybrid. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00709-014-0734-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.