Anther-derived plants of Melandrium album were analysed by flow-cytometric, phenotypic, cytological, and genetic means: more than 90% were classified as females, while no male plants were observed. Instead, one hermaphrodite and several atypical female parental plants were identified. One highly androgenic plant (M5045) turned out to possess two extra autosomes (2n = 26,XY) instead of the ordinary male formula, 2n = 24 (24,XY). The results are discussed in light of possible developmental interactions among the three classes of chromosomes in this dioecious species: male (Y), female (X), and autosomes.Key words: Melandrium album, dioecious, haploids, sex chromosomes, embryogenic development, hormones.
Summary.Melandrium album (2n = 24), a dioecious species with heteromorphic sex chromosomes (XY, male; XX, female), has a strong genetic commitment for sex determination. So far the in vitro regeneration response in this species has appeared to be restricted to female plants. We report here a procedure for achieving active regeneration from explants and mesophyll protoplasts of selected female plants. Shoots were frequently induced in hormone-free media and in the presence of cytokinins or low concentrations (<0.5 nag/l) of auxins. The in vitro conditions employed did not affect the sex expression of the regenerated plants. Crosses between selected female plants with high regeneration capacity and nonregenerating males indicated that the regeneration response is genetically controlled and can be transmitted sexually into male and female progenies.
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