Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The process of the present invention provides a convenient route for producing a predetermined hybrid variety of a crop which is capable of undergoing both self-pollination and cross-pollination. Cytoplasmic male sterile plants which also exhibit cytoplasmic herbicide tolerance are the key plants for use in the present process. Such cytoplasmic male sterile plants may be readily multiplied and uniformly produced in accordance with the process of the present invention on a relatively economical basis by crossing with suitable maintainer plants. Economical bulk planting of the key plants with either maintainer or restorer plants is made possible. Following cross-pollination from a pollen source which lacks the herbicide tolerance unneeded plants effectively are eliminated by use of a herbicide. For instance, unwanted plants may be effectively eliminated immediately after pollination or prior to pollination in a succeeding generation to make possible the existence in an unharmed state of a substantially homogeneous stand of the desired plants which exhibit cytoplasmic herbicide tolerance. The process of the present invention is applicable to grain crops, forage crops, seed propagated fruits, seed propagated ornamentals, and industrial species. In a particularly preferred embodiment a predetermined variety of Brassica napus (i.e., rape or improved forms thereof known as canola) is formed which is the product of cross-pollination.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim