Date of Award
Winter 1980
Abstract
The presence of a self-incompatibility (SI) system in the polyploid crucifer, Cheiranthus allionii = Siberian wallflower, was suggested by results of greenhouse screening and confirmed by results of controlled pollinations in the field. Sporophytic control of the system was indicated by a stigmatic barrier to incompatible pollen tube growth, seen in scanning electron micrographs, and by differences in reciprocal cross-compatibilities. Strength of the SI system varied, but no completely self-compatible plants were found. Marked segregation for SI level within self- and cross-progenies of a plant with weak SI suggested that weak SI might be due to a single gene. The strength of the SI system was stable through one generation of selfing. However, no evidence of inbreeding depression on number of seeds per open-pollinated silique was observed. SI levels were independent of open-pollinated fertility levels. The use of heterogeneous material emphasized the advantage of a relative measure of SI level.
Concentrated sucrose solutions (30% w/w) supported pollen germination and tube elongation. Stigma surface components, leached directly into the germination medium, delayed or inhibited germination of incompatible pollen.
This organism provides a tool for the study of SI in heterogeneous populations of a natural polyploid and for the study of interactions between pollen and stigma components.
Document Type
Dissertation
Department or Program
Genetics
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Recommended Citation
CHANEY, LEE ANNE, "SELF-INCOMPATIBILITY IN CHEIRANTHUS ALLIONII" (1980). Doctoral Dissertations. 1277.
https://scholars.unh.edu/dissertation/1277