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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Columbia, Missouri » Plant Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #62684
Title: FEMALE STERILITY OF THE VESTIGIAL COROLLA FLORAL MUTANT OF BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL

Author
item NYRAKABBI, I - UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
item Beuselinck, Paul

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A naturally occurring floral mutant infrequently observed in some populations of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) showed promise for use as a maternal parent to facilitate hybridization. The mutant is characterized by round flowers with folded petals, and a style and stigma that extend beyond the corolla. Before use in artificial pollinations, the efertility of the mutant had to be assured. Results of hand pollinations indicate semi-sterility. Reduced fertility was accounted for by morphological and cytological abnormalities observed on the ovary and ovules. Ovaries of the mutant exhibited open adaxial sutures visually exposing 2-5 ovules. In some ovaries, the ovules were appressed to each other. Microscopic examination revealed that most ovules of the vestigial corolla mutant were abnormal. Aberrant ovules were shorter than normal, were characterized by exposed nucellus, and lacked both a gametophyte and micropyle. The floral mutant does not appear to be a useful tool to aid hybridization due to its lowered fertility.