Pollen–pistil interaction in protogyny and self-incompatibility system of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Coss.)

• Published in: Grana 2014-01, Vol.53 (2), p.103-110
• Main Authors: Shivakumar, Chandrashekar Unnenahally, Gupta, Ramwant, Thyagaraju, Manjunath Prasad Cholanayakanahalli, Vishwanath, Krishnappa, Chakrabarty, Shyamal Kumar, Dadlani, Malavika
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acetic acid; Brassica juncea; crossing; cytoplasmic male sterility; embryo sac; fluorescein; fluorescence microscopy; pistil; pollen; pollen germination; pollen tubes; pollination; protogyny; self-incompatibility; stigma; viability
• ISSN: 1651-2049; 0017-3134; 1651-2049
• DOI: 10.1080/00173134.2014.897750

Fluorescence microscopic investigation was made to understand the interaction between developing pistils and pollen of protogynous (Pg) plants and between protogynous and non-protogynous, and cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) plants following pollination in Brassica juncea . The pollen viability of protogynous plants was confirmed by staining with carmine acetic acid (CAA) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA). The entire process of intra-specific Pg × non-Pg post pollination events, starting from pollen deposition on the surface of the stigma and culminating with the entry of the pollen tube into the embryo sac, was rapid and completed within two days of pollination. Intra-specific crosses of Pg × Pg did not show a single pollen germination on the stigmatic surface and, consequently, no pollen tube growth was observed up to six days after pollination. The pattern of pollen tube growth in crosses between CMS × Pg was essentially similar to that for Pg × non-Pg pollination.