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Fertilization and seed production with pollen from in-vitro-cultured maize tassels

Abstract

Immature tassel meristems (1–1.5 cm) of maize (Zea mays L.) explanted to a defined nutrient medium underwent further growth and floral development. Microsporogenesis, gametogenesis and pollen maturation were completed within 25 d in vitro. The pollen, recovered from the cultured tassel, germinated on nutrient agar and also on receptive silks. Viable seed produced from controlled pollinations germinated and grew into mature, normal plants. Thus, a significant component of the life cycle of maize can be completed in vitro where analyses and manipulations are possible for both basic and applied research.

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Pareddy, D.R., Greyson, R.I. & Walden, D.B. Fertilization and seed production with pollen from in-vitro-cultured maize tassels. Planta 170, 141–143 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00392391

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00392391

Key words

  • Fertilization in vitro
  • Pollen, in-vitro production
  • Zea (in-vitro pollen)