Radiation induced male sterility in Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr. De Juss.) Muell. Arg.

Abstract

A plant exhibiting semi-dwarf stature was identified from a gamma ray induced VM7 population. Cytomixis was observed in 30% of the meiocytes. Cytoplasmic connections were observed in all stages of PMCs ranging from early prophase stage to microspore stage. Movement of chromatin materials was also observed. A wide spectrum of cytokinetic aberrations was also noted. As a result of these abnormalities the plant showed total male sterility. In Hevea, male sterility can be exploited for the production of hybrid seeds and dwarf stature in breeding programme.