Ref ID: 10160
Ref Type: Journal
Authors: Pound, L. M., Wallworth, M. A. B., Potts, B. M., and Sedgley, M.
Pub Date: 2003
Journal Name: Sexual Plant Reproduction
Volume: 16
Issue:
Start Page: 59
End Page: 69
ISBN/ISSN:
Keywords: development/early/Eucalyptus/Eucalyptus nitens/growth/ovule/pollen/pollen tube growth/flower/trees/tree/style/pollination/fluorescence/fertilisation/seed/mechanism/identification
Abstract: Controlled self- and cross-pollinations were conducted on flowers of five mature Eucalyptus nitens trees. Levels of self-sterility of the trees ranged from 25.8 to 93.6%. Pollen tube numbers in styles and ovule penetration by pollen tubes was investigated 2 weeks after pollination by fluorescence microscopy. There were no significant differences between treatments in the number of pollen tubes present in styles or in the percentage of ovules penetrated by pollen tubes. Embryology of material harvested 2 and 4 weeks after pollination was investigated by bright-field microscopy. Fertilisation had taken place by 2 weeks after pollination with nearly every ovule showing evidence of fertilisation. Cross-pollination resulted in a greater proportion of healthy, developing ovules, at both 2 and 4 weeks after pollination, compared with self-pollination. The proportion of degenerating ovules increased from 2 to 4 weeks after pollination. The reduced ability of E. nitens to set self-pollinated seed compared with cross-pollinated seed appears to be controlled by a post-zygotic mechanism. Differences in ovule size may potentially assist in the identification of trees incapable of setting self-pollinated seed.
Notes: Entered by Jill Butterworth (20/2/2003)
Reprint: In File
Program: SPF Genetic Improvement
Project: A1
Deliverable:
Confidentiality: Public
Availability: Authors
Report: Annual Report 2002/3; Annual Report 2003/4
Type: Article
Address: B.M.Potts@utas.edu.au