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Seed Set in Alfalfa as Related to Pollen Tube Growth, Fertilization Frequency, and Post-fertilization Ovule Abortion¹

A technique employing the fluorescent properties of pollen tubes stained with aniline blue dye was utilized to determine the extent to which pollen tube growth, frequency of fertilization, and post-fertilization ovule abortion influenced self- and cross-fertility in alfalfa.

It was found that the frequency with which fertilization occurred and the incidence of ovule abortion were the two main factors controlling the differential self- and cross-fertility observed among clones. Selling generally led to a lower frequency of fertilization and a higher incidence of ovule abortion than did crossing. The frequency with which fertilization occurred after both selling and crossing appeared to be controlled by the number of pollen tubes gaining entry into ovaries, by the depth of pollen tube penetration in ovaries, and by the frequency with which pollen tubes entered ovules. The number of pollen tubes entering an ovary was controlled in turn by the receptivity of the stigma to penetration by pollen tubes. None of these factors associated with seed set varied significantly when different pollen parents were used in pollinating a commonfe male.

² Formerly graduate student, (now Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Alabama, University, Alabama) and Professor, Department of Plant Breeding. Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y.

Received for publication November 17, 1965.

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