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Toward in vitro fertilization in Brachiaria spp
Diva M A Dusi1, Elizangela R Alves, Michiel T M Willemse
1Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, Av. W 5 Norte Final, CP 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil. diva@cenargen.embrapa.br
Sexual Plant Reproduction
|February 6, 2010
Summary
In vitro pollination of Brachiaria forage grasses revealed that apomictic pollen exhibits lower viability and more abortion than sexual pollen. Successful fertilization barriers in sexual and apomictic Brachiaria were identified.
Area of Science:
- Plant reproductive biology
- Forage crop science
Background:
- Brachiaria species are crucial forage grasses in tropical agriculture.
- Understanding reproductive barriers is essential for improving Brachiaria cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pollen viability and germination in sexual and apomictic Brachiaria.
- To analyze fertilization success using in vitro pollination techniques.
Main Methods:
- In vitro pollination was performed on isolated ovaries and non-dehiscent anthers.
- Pollen viability and germination rates were assessed under varying conditions.
- Pollen tube penetration and fertilization events were microscopically observed.
Main Results:
- Apomictic Brachiaria pollen showed higher post-meiotic abortion and reduced viability compared to sexual pollen.
- Only specific genotypes of both sexual and apomictic Brachiaria demonstrated adequate germination at high sugar concentrations.
- In sexual Brachiaria, pollen tubes reached the ovule but embryo sac degeneration occurred.
- In apomictic Brachiaria decumbens, sperm nuclei successfully entered the egg and central cells.
Conclusions:
- Apomixis in Brachiaria presents distinct post-meiotic abortion and viability challenges.
- Successful fertilization in Brachiaria is hindered by specific barriers in both sexual and apomictic reproduction.
- In vitro pollination provides insights into fertilization mechanisms and barriers in Brachiaria species.
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