ISSN:
1432-203X
Keywords:
Zea mays
;
in vitro culture
;
in vitro pollen
;
pollen germination
;
fertilization
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Maturation of maize pollen was obtained in male reproductive structures cultured in vitro. Immature tassels containing microspores at the mid-uninucleate to late-binucleate stage of development were excised and spikelets, anthers, and/or isolated microspores were cultured on a medium capable of supporting pollen maturation. Microspore mitosis, culminating in the production of starch-filled, trinucleate pollen capable of germination, was observed after 7–15 days, depending on the genotype and stage at which the cultures were initiated. Up to 100%, 70%, and 20% of the cultured spikelets, anthers, and isolated microspores, respectively, produced mature pollen, which germinated, however, at different frequencies (i.e., spikelets, 50–70%; anthers, 5–10%; microspores, 〈1%). Mature kernels were produced following fertilization with pollen from cultured spikelets and anthers. These procedures provide methods for the in vitro manipulation of a significant phase of the maize life cycle.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00236273
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