That type of variegation pattern is not consistent from leaf to leaf, and usually that trait is not genetic, so it won't get inherited to the next generation.
Robert
If the trait is not genetic what causes it?
So is the chloroplast defect a genetic defect that is simply not normally passed along to progeny? Or is it a defect that is not genetic?
or a variegated anything that would make a nice X with helenae?
Chloroplasts only arise from other chloroplasts. They can't be produced in a cell that lacks them. The original chloroplasts in a plant embryo are passed on from the mother line through the egg cell (at least in most plants). They also have a few genes of their own that are independant of the chromosomal DNA. They probably arose from intracellular symbiotic photsynthetic bacteria that became a permanent part of the host over eons of evolution.
The most likely case is that the white tissue lacks chloroplasts completely through a random accident at a cell division within the meristem of the plant. All parts of the plant that arose from the chloroplast-free cell are white because they lack the green pigments that are only found in chloroplasts. Alternatively, there could have been a cell where a mutation in the DNA of the chloroplast itself prevents it from making chlorophyll, and any cells that contain only these chlorophyll-free chloroplasts are white.
Either way, the defect can't be passed along genetically, though it may be due to the genes of the chloroplast itself.
This type of variegation due to a sectoral chimera is different than plants that normally have variegated leaves that occur in regular patterns. Those are due to chromosomal genes so they can be inherited.
Very interesting discussion. I have used Paph. Greenvale 'Hillsview' in a number of different crosses. I noticed early on that a percentage of seedling were showing up with veriegated foliage. Only when Paph. Greenvale was used as the pod parent. I would assume the veriegation is coming from the mitocondrial DNA? It is interesting that not all crosses using Paph. Greenvale 'Hillsview' as a pod parent yield veriegation. Only some of the crosses. Typically greens and also Paph. Hellas 'Westonbirt'.
Theresa
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