The development of onion (Allium cepa L.) Embryo sacs in vitro and gynogenesis induction in relation to flower size

SummaryThe development of embryo sacs (ES) in vitro and induction of gynogenesis were studied in onion flower bud culture. Explants were divided into three groups according to their size at inoculation: (a) small flower buds (2.3–3.0 mm in diameter); (b) medium flower buds (3.1–3.7 mm); and (c) large flower buds (3.8–4.4 mm). For histological study, excised ovaries were fixed at inoculation and then at 3-d intervals until day 12, and after 2 and 3 wk of culture. Some explants were cultured until embryo emergence, i.e., 3–5 mo. In total, 2592 ovules were examined histologically. At inoculation, 83% of ovules in small flower buds contained a megaspore mother cell; in 17% of ovules, two-nucleate ES occurred. In medium flower buds two-nucleate, four-nucleate, and mature ES were present at frequencies of 15%, 46%, and 40%, respectively. In large flower buds, only mature ES occurred. In vitro conditions did not disturb meiosis and megagametophyte development in non-degenerated ovules. Regardless of the developmental stage at inoculation, only mature ES occurred on day 12. Gynogenic embryos were found after 2 wk of culture, indicating that embryos developed in mature ES exclusively. Embryos were detected in 5.4% of histological studied ovules; however, the number of embryos after 3–5 mo. was higher (12.4%). The parthenogenetic origin of the embryos is discussed. In addition, ES containing endosperm only (6.5%) and both endosperm and embryo (0.4%) were observed.

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