The purpose of this study was to compare pollen grains and stigmas from a number of plants of a perennial rye hybrid using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate differences in size or surface features of the grains. The implication is that these possible differences in size and surface features may be influencing the low fertility rates in the hybrid. Materials and Methods Pollen and spikelets were collected from plants of this perennial rye hybrid. Sizes were determined through measurements with Quartz PCI and a t-test was used to determine whether the differences were significant. Results Figure1.JPG 300X Low magnification image of pollen from hybrid 90.
Grains are generally ellipsoidal inshape with a ore at one end.
Pollen sample from hybrid 121. Grains are generally ellipsoidal in shape with a pore at one end. Some lengths are shown. Pollen grains sampled from hybrid 256. Illustrating the ellipsoidal shape common to the pollen.