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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #110032
Title: A CYTOPLASMIC MALE-STERILE SOYBEAN: DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES IN ANTHERS LEADING TO STERILITY

Author
item SMITH, MARIANNE - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Palmer, Reid
item HORNER, HARRY - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: International Congress on Sexual Plant Reproduction Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/8/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cytoplasmic male sterility has been described in soybean a few times, but no microscopic investigation has been published. The purpose of this light- and electron-microscopic study was to establish the development sequence leading to sterility, and to demarcate the temporal and spatial parameters that result in degeneration of the male cells. Light microscopy yshowed an abnormal development and/or premature degeneration of the tapetu after meiosis II, while after microspore mitosis pollen grains remained empty of reserves. A premature formation of the endothecium was also evident. Histochemical staining for water-insoluble carbohydrates revealed abnormal starch accumulation. Transmission electron microscopy identified early degeneration of the inner membrane of mitochondria in the tapetum as an initial event of abnormal organelle structure. Subsequently the endoplasmic reticulum exhibited atypical concentric rings, excluding microbodies. Pollen grains contained mitochondria with unusually enlarged inner mitochondrial spaces, degraded plastids, only a rudimentary intine, and no starch or lipid reserves. Results link mitochondrial degeneration to premature formation of endothecium and energy deprivation and ultimately to male sterility.