ISHS Acta Horticulturae 681: IV International Congress on Artichoke
ILLUSTRATION OF NECTAR-PRODUCING STRUCTURE OF CYNARA CARDUNCULUS L. VAR. SCOLYMUS (L.) FIORI |
| Authors: | P. Chatelet, J. Corre, N. Delpierre, A. Cottignies |
| Keywords: | artichoke, hybrids, propagation, pollen |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2005.681.87 |
| Abstract:
European breeding programmes for globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var scolymus (L.) Fiori) aim at obtaining seed-multiplied, F1 hybrid varieties. Since self incompatibility has not been identified in this species, breeders rely on an highly stable, genic male sterility system to insure the hybrid nature of seeds produced on the female lines. However, a number of these lines, although exhibiting adequate female fertility when hand pollinated, yield little or no seed in seed industry conditions. Early observations led to imply pollinating insect behaviour which were found to visit only infrequently male sterile plants. Lack of pollen (an obvious deterrent to bees in their pollen-gathering period) could not explain flower unattractivity to nectar-gathering individuals, as some fertile lines were also found to be unattractive to insects. Studies were then undertaken to try and check whether male sterility also affected nectar production and/or composition. Preliminary work on nectar producing structures in normal and male sterile lines was performed using sections after parafin or plastic embedding while SEM observations were also realised. SEM photographic data are presented here. | |
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