Cell fusion hybrids. [Nicotiana protoplasts]

Cell fusion hybrids were obtained by fusing protoplasts of Nicotiana glauca and N. langsdorffii in the presence of polyethylene glycol. The hybrid protoplasts were selected out of a mixed population by growing on a culture medium that does not support the growth of parental protoplasts. The cell fusion hybrids had chromosome numbers that were higher (56 to 64) than in the amphiploid (2n = 42). Most of these hyper-aneuploids were fertile and their progeny retained the characteristic morphology and approximate chromosome number of their hybrid parent.