An efficient screen for reproductive pathways using mature seeds of monocots and dicots

TLDR

Flow cytometry of mature seeds from 32 monocot and dicot species was used to uncover their reproductive pathways. The screen aims to select sporophytic or gametophytic mutants, identify pure sexual or obligate apomictic genotypes, and analyze inheritance of reproductive processes. The method reconstructs ten seed‑formation pathways by assessing gamete reduction, embryo origin, and endosperm development through flow cytometry of mature seeds. Unique results for Arabidopsis, Arabis, Hypericum, and Poa demonstrated that the screen yields more detailed reproductive behavior than any other test, proving valuable for basic research and plant breeding.

Abstract

Summary Seed samples of 32 species (obligate and facultative sexuals and apomicts of monocots and dicots) were investigated by flow cytometry to reveal the pathway of reproduction. Ten different pathways of seed formation could be reconstructed considering whether the female and/or male gametes were reduced or unreduced, the embryos arose via the zygotic or parthenogenetic route and the endosperm via the pseudogamous or autonomous route. The screen is suited to select sporophytic or gametophytic mutants in sexual species, to identify pure sexual or obligate apomictic genotypes from facultative apomictic species, and to analyze the inheritance of the individual reproductive processes. Corresponding unique results are presented for Arabidopsis , Arabis , Hypericum and Poa . The screen of mature seeds by flow cytometry yielded more information about the reproductive behavior of individual plants than any other available test, and is very useful both in basic research and plant breeding.