Morphological characteristics of pollen from triploid watermelon and its fate on stigmas in a hybrid crop production system

Subasinghe Arachchige, Erandi C.W.University of New England, Australia,Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (author)

Hybrid crop production is more reliant on pollinators compared to open-pollinated crops because they require cross-pollination between a male-fertile and a male-sterile line. Little is known about how stigma receipt of pollen from male-sterile genotypes affects reproduction in hybrids. Non-viable and non-compatible pollen cannot fertilise plant ovules, but may still interfere with pollination success. Here we used seedless watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) as a model hybrid plant, to evaluate the morphology, physiology, and movement of pollen from inter-planted genotypes (diploids and triploids). We found that pollen from triploids (‘Exclamation’ and ‘Royal Armada’) and diploids (‘SP-6’, ‘Summer Flavor 800’, and ‘Tiger’) was visually distinguishable. Pollen in triploids had more deformities (42.4–46%), tetrads (43–44%), and abnormal growth of callose plugs in pollen tubes. The amount of pollen in triploids to germinate on stigmas was low (8 ± 3%), and few pollen grains produced pollen tubes (6.5 ± 2%). Still, contrary to previous reports our results suggest that some viable pollen grains are produced by triploid watermelons. However, whilst honey bees can collect and deposit pollen from triploids onto stigmas, its effect on hybrid watermelon reproduction is likely to be minimal due to its low germination rate.

Evans, Lisa J.Queensland University of Technology (author)
Samnegård, UlrikaLund University,Lunds universitet,Biodiversitet,Biologiska institutionen,Naturvetenskapliga fakulteten,Biodiversitet och bevarandevetenskap,Forskargrupper vid Lunds universitet,Biodiversity,Department of Biology,Faculty of Science,Biodiversity and Conservation Science,Lund University Research Groups,University of New England, Australia(Swepub:lu)biol-usm (author)
Rader, RominaUniversity of New England, Australia (author)
University of New England, AustraliaWayamba University of Sri Lanka (creator_code:org_t)

By the author/editor: Subasinghe Arach ...; Evans, Lisa J.; Samnegård, Ulrik ...; Rader, Romina

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