Chromatographic Comparison of Tragopogon Species and Hybrids

Approximately 1,700 plants representing five species of Tragopogon (Compositae) and their F1 and F2 hybrids were analyzed by two‐dimensional descending paper chromatography. Each species, or population within a species, was chromatographically distinct. Often, however, the differences were more quantitative than qualitative. The chromatographic data generally supported the species relationships which had been determined from previous morphologic, hybridization, and fertility studies. Inheritance of the flavonoid compounds was usually additive in the F1's. Segregation and recombination of the genes controlling the synthesis of these compounds sometimes approximated 3:1 or 9:7 ratios in the F2's. Occasionally parental compounds were missing from some of the hybrids. “Hybrid” compounds which had not been found in either parent were absent from the F1 but did occur in several F2 populations. Two linkage groups were present. The first contains genes controlling the synthesis of three compounds and the second, four compounds.