Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
A closely related group of leguminous plants in the genus Psoralea has been reported to be potentially useful for pasture in the semi-arid tropics and sub-tropics of Australia. Attempts to produce seed for research purposes were frustrated by seed failure in certain lines while other lines produced seed freely. Examination of meiosis, pollen production and embryo development indicated no abnormality leading to seed failure. Pollination experiments by hand manipulation showed self incompatibility not to be the cause of poor seed set. Close examination of the structure of the flowers disclosed two types of stigmas. The stigmas of the free seeding accessions secreted a sticky fluid in which pollen germinated and eventually effected fertilization. The stigmas of the lines with poor seed set were each bounded by a membrane which excluded pollen. When the membrane was ruptured by outside intervention, a sticky fluid emerged which allowed germination of the pollen and eventual seed set. The two types of stigmas are believed to be a response to the semi-arid environment.
Citation
Britten, E J. and Dundas, Ian S., "A Dimorphic Pollination System in a Potentially Valueable Semi-arid Pasture Legume, The Psoralea patens Complex" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 5.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses2/5)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
A Dimorphic Pollination System in a Potentially Valueable Semi-arid Pasture Legume, The Psoralea patens Complex
Kyoto Japan
A closely related group of leguminous plants in the genus Psoralea has been reported to be potentially useful for pasture in the semi-arid tropics and sub-tropics of Australia. Attempts to produce seed for research purposes were frustrated by seed failure in certain lines while other lines produced seed freely. Examination of meiosis, pollen production and embryo development indicated no abnormality leading to seed failure. Pollination experiments by hand manipulation showed self incompatibility not to be the cause of poor seed set. Close examination of the structure of the flowers disclosed two types of stigmas. The stigmas of the free seeding accessions secreted a sticky fluid in which pollen germinated and eventually effected fertilization. The stigmas of the lines with poor seed set were each bounded by a membrane which excluded pollen. When the membrane was ruptured by outside intervention, a sticky fluid emerged which allowed germination of the pollen and eventual seed set. The two types of stigmas are believed to be a response to the semi-arid environment.
