Embryology

Genetic, embryonic and anatomical study of an interspecific cassava hybrid

N. M. A. Nassar, Hashimoto, D. Y., and Ribeiro, D. G., Genetic, embryonic and anatomical study of an interspecific cassava hybrid, vol. 9, pp. 532-538, 2010.

A molecular, anatomical and cytogenetic study of an interspecific hybrid between Manihot esculenta (cassava) and the wild species M. oligantha was carried out. Cytogenetics revealed relatively complete chromosome pairing and high viability of the pollen grains. Ovule structure examined by the clearing method showed polyembryony in 2.7% of the ovules. Doubling of the chromosome number resulted in an increase in polyembryony of up to 18% and a reduction in pollen viability. Multivalent formation was also observed.

Sexual reproduction development in apomictic Eulaliopsis binata (Poaceae)

L. Liu, Li, J. J., Ouyang, Y. D., and Yao, J. L., Sexual reproduction development in apomictic Eulaliopsis binata (Poaceae), vol. 10, pp. 2326-2339, 2011.

Apomixis is a particular mode of reproduction that allows progeny formation without meiosis and fertilization. Eulaliopsis binata, a tetraploid apomictic species, is widely used for making paper, rope and mats. There is great potential for fixation of heterosis in E. binata due to autonomous endosperm formation in this species. Although most of its embryo sac originates from nucellus cells, termed apospory, we observed sexual reproduction initiation in 86.8 to 96.8% of the ovules, evidenced by callose deposition on the walls of cells undergoing megasporogenesis.

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