Identification of male-sterile Coffea arabica at CATIE, Costa Rica. - (:unkn) unknown (My University)
Five male sterile C. arabica plants originating from an FAO collection (196465) in Ethiopia were discovered in the field collection of CATIE (Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza). Cytological studies on anthers confirmed a lack of pollen production, as did selfing experiments. Observed male sterility was due to early destruction of the tapetum, resulting in a complete lack of microspores at the flowering stage. Pollinations undertaken with pollen from a Catimor line (T8667) restored fertility. Three of the 5 plants were propagated by budding and exhibited male sterility under different soil and climatic conditions. The genetic determinism of this phenomenon appears to be nuclear and recessive. Possible use of these plants in aselection scheme aiming at F1 hybrid production is discussed.
Five male sterile C. arabica plants originating from an FAO collection (196465) in Ethiopia were discovered in the field collection of CATIE (Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza). Cytological studies on anthers confirmed a lack of pollen production, as did selfing experiments. Observed male sterility was due to early destruction of the tapetum, resulting in a complete lack of microspores at the flowering stage. Pollinations undertaken with pollen from a Catimor line (T8667) restored fertility. Three of the 5 plants were propagated by budding and exhibited male sterility under different soil and climatic conditions. The genetic determinism of this phenomenon appears to be nuclear and recessive. Possible use of these plants in aselection scheme aiming at F1 hybrid production is discussed.
Keywords: anthers; Coffea.; male sterility; mutants; mutations; pollen; pollination; stimulant plants; Anther; Infertility, Male; Pollen; Pollination; Fertilization of plants