Morphological Characterization and Molecular Verification of a Fertile Haploid Pummelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck)

Abstract

The morphological characteristics and reproductive potential of a haploid plant obtained from the cross between `Banpeiyu' pummelo ( Citrus grandis ) and `Ruby Red' grapefruit ( C. paradisi Macf.) were investigated. The haploid was confirmed to be derived from female gamete of `Banpeiyu' pummelo by isozyme and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the haploidy was maintained in several tissues and organs of this plant. It also had the typical morphology of a haploid, such as small leaves and flowers, and had slightly fertile pollen grains. Furthermore, diploid progenies were obtained from the cross between `Kiyomi' tangor and the haploid. The hybridity of these seedlings was confirmed by assessment of the leaf characteristics and RAPD analysis. These results suggest that this haploid produced fertile unreduced pollen grains (n = 9).