Pollen mother cell and anther wall development in a photoperiod-insensitive male-sterile mutant of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

Abstract

The development of the pollen mother cells (PMC's) and anther wall of a male-sterile mutant was microscopically compared with that of fertile sib plants in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). Male-sterility was complete and caused by breakdown of microsporogenesis at prophase I. Delayed and incomplete development of the anther wall appeared to be responsible for PMC degeneration. The sterile mutant also differed from the fertile plants in the size and number of the PMC's.