Selfing to achieve 4N breeders

[GirlGoneWild]

Originally Posted by Call_Me_Bob

a random wondering of mine- what happens when you colchicine treat a cross that would otherwise result in a 3n? what happens when you colchicine treat a 4nx4n cross?

I'm not exactly sure of the mechanics of it, but anything above 4n seems to be pretty unstable. With that many chromosomes attempting to pair up, a lot can go wrong. I think Rob addressed the hexaploid breeding question earlier a few comments up in the thread. I suppose it's technically possible to make a hexaploid or octoploid plant, but from what I understand they're not really good for much and aren't particularly strong growers.

As always, someone tell me if I'm wrong...hehee!