The present study analyzed meiotic pairing in wheat – rye hybrids obtained by crossing of Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Spring with allogamous ryes, two cultivars of Secale cereale ('Don Enrique' and 'Selectión') and Secale cereale ssp. segetale. The results indicate that each rye type has different behaviour on hybrid meiotic pairing because they contain distinct genetic systems affecting meiotic pairing. In the case of 'Don Enrique' and 'Selección,' a polygenic system could be present, but not identical in both cultivars. On the other hand, Secale cereale ssp. segetale contained genes that strongly affect the genetic system controlling homoeologous pairing in wheat.Key words: homoeologous pairing, wheat – rye hybrids, polygenic system, major genes.