Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Ann. Appl. Biol.
Volume
104
Publication Date
1-1-1984
First Page
167
Last Page
174
Abstract
Parental lines (inbred and hybrid male-sterile lines and inbred pollinators) of prospective F 1 hybrids from the NVRS spring-sown bulb onion breeding programme were examined to study their floral biology and aspects of pollination under glasshouse conditions. Inbreeding depression occurred in both pollinator and male-sterile inbreds in terms of reduced flower numbers per umbel and a greater proportion of defective pistils. Male-sterile and male-fertile lines differed in their stigma and style characteristics and pattern of development. At flower opening, the styles of male-sterile lines were longer and the stigmatic knob became receptive relatively sooner. The inbred male-sterile line 11/3 ms appeared to have a reduced receptive area on its stigmatic knob and remained receptive for a relatively shorter period. Individual lines differed for time of flowering, nectar content and its sugar concentration, and in their effectiveness as male and female parents as judged from pollen tube growth down the style in specific pairings. Assessment of pollen viability using the fluorescein diacetate test did not correlate with assessments based on pollen grain germination and subsequent growth down the style, perhaps as a result of differential receptivity in the inbred lines tested.
Recommended Citation
Ali, M.; Dowker, B. D.; Currah, L.; and Mumford, P. M., "Floral biology and pollen viability of parental lines of onion hybrids" (1984). A. Paper 138.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_a/138