RAPD and ISSR Markers of Fertility Restoring Gene for Aegilops kotschyi Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Wheat

LK783 was found to be a good fertility restorer for K-type male sterility of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). RAPD and ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeat polymorphism) markers were employed to map the major restoring gene in LK783. Maintainer and restorer DNA pools were established using the extreme sterile and fertile plants among KJ5418A//911289/LK783 F 1 population, respectively. Four hundred and eighteen RAPD primers and 33 ISSR primers were used for screening polymorphisms between the two pools, and amplification bands using a RAPD primer of OPK18 and an ISSR primer of UBC-845 were found polymorphic between the two pools. Linkage analysis showed that OPK18 450 and UBC-845 800 were linked to the restoring gene in LK783. The distance between the restoring gene and OPK18 450 was (15.07±6.28) cM (centiMorgan), with the distance between the restoring gene and UBC-845 800 being (8.20±4.85) cM. The marker of UBC-845 800 was located on chromosome 1BS by amplifying nulli-tetrasomics and 1B ditelosomics of Chinese Spring with the primer of UBC-845, indicating that the restoring gene in LK783 was located on 1BS. The breeding for new fertility restorer lines of K-type cytoplasmic male sterility of wheat would be facilitated by using the two markers.

Construction and Identification of HSP70 Antisense RNA Expression Vector for Genetic Engineering Male Sterility in Plant

[ Objective] In order to study the relation between the HSPTO gene and male sterility of plant further. [ Methods ] Anther specific expression promoter Osg6B of rice was coloned by PCR then connected with HSP70 antisense fragment to construct HSPTO antisense expression vector. The expression vector was identified by PCR experiment and enzyme digestion. [ Result] The sequence of coloned Osg6B promoter had 97% homology to the published sequence, and the cis-regulatory element in promoter area was integrated. HSP70 antisense expression vector driven by the promoter Osg6B was confired by colony PCR and enzyme digestion. [ Conclusion] The construction of expression vector would lay solid foundation for utilization of genetic engineering male sterility of plant.

Microtubule Structure and Male Sterility in a Gene-Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Line of Rice, Zhen Shan 97A

Histological changes that occur during microsporogenesis are documented in a gene-cytoplasmic male sterile rice ( Oryza saliva L.) line, Zhen Shan 97A, its maintainer line, Zhen Shan 97B, and the restorer line, Ce64 of a Mine hybrid rice production system. In the restorer line, Ce64, the developing microsporocytes have dense cytoplasm and a distinct set of circumferential microtubules around the nucleus. Successive cytokinesis results in the formation of tetrads. The microtubules within the cells of tetrads and microspores radiate from the surface of the nucleus towards the outer edge of the cytoplasm. Subsequent pollen development is normal. During the course of microspore formation tubulin speckles can be found in the cytoplasm. The general pattern of development and microtubule organization in the maintainer lined Zhen Shan 97B, is similar to Ce64, except that a few more tubulin speckles appear during microspore formation. In the case of the mate sterile line, Zhen Shan 97A, a number of abnormalities can be discerned during early microsporogenesis. These include vacuoles forming within the developing microsporocyte and faintly stained microtubules with no defined distribution pattern. Prominent tubulin speckles are common within the cytoplasm. For those microsporocytes that undergo meiosis, no defined organizational patterns of microtubules can be found within the tetrad. All microspores abort soon after. Abnormalities and defects in microtubule organization observed in Zhen Shan 97A showed that complex interactions between the cytoplasm and the nucleus began at very early stage of microsporocyte development.

Genetic Study on Barley Male Sterility

[Objective] The aim was to research the genetic mechanism of barley male sterility, and provide the theoretical reference for breeding strong heterosis hybrid of barley. [ Method] Fertility segregation phenomenon, morphological characteristics and main agronomic characters of male sterility character of 4 kinds of barley male sterility materials 2001 - 17, 2001 - 37, 2001 - 84 and 2001 - 116 and their dedved lines were observed and researched.[ Result] Barley male sterility existed genetic phenomenon of single dominant nuclear gene caused by environmental stimulation, its sterility controlled by MS, the sterile genotype was MSms. There was stable nucleo-cytoplasmic inheritance on barley male sterility which was controlled by cytoplasmic mate sterile gene S and nuclear gene rr, and its genotype was S（rr）, this male sterility belonged to CMS type sterility. Temperature had no effect on fertility. [ Conclusion] There was stable nucleo-cytoplasmic inheritance on barley male sterility, this result played a positively promoting role in barley practical production.

Study on the Agroclimatic Division of Thermosensitive Genetic Male Sterility Rice Breeding

Using the meteorological data and geographical information during January-March（1961-2010） accumulated by 18 stations of Hainan,a suitability zoning map for thermo-sensitive genetic male sterility（TGMS） rice was made by GIS technology based on temperature indicators required by TGMS rice during fertility sensitive period and heading-flowering period,aiming to provide reasonable layout and scientific basis for sustainable development of TGMS rice in Hainan Island under the background of global warming.The results indicated that the suitable planting zones covered the south regions of Wuzhishan,Jianfengling and Diaoluoshan;subordinate suitable zones expanded northward to central parts of Wuzhishan,Dongfang,Changjiang,Qiongzhong and southern parts of Wanning;the other regions were unsuitable for breeding.

Creation and Genetic Analysis of a Male Sterility Mutant in Panicum miliaceum

Heterosis plays an important role in the development of new crop varieties with high-yielding, good-quality and biotic/abiotic stresses while male sterile line de- velopment is the key step to determine the success of heterosis utilization. A male sterile mutant, M207A was created in proso millet （Panicum mi/iaceurn, 2n=4x=36） for the first time using 60Co-y ray mutagenesis. Fertility identification and genetic analysis were carried out to characterize the mutant for its possible use for hetero- sis utilization in proso millet. First the sterility was investigated using both field sur- vey and indoor pollen microscopy identification. Then Pollinated by normal fertile proso millet cultivars, F1 and F2 populations from the mutant were obtained. Mean- while primary genetic analysis was also conducted using above populations in dif- ferent experimental sites, seasons and years. The results showed that the male sterile plant exhibited closed glumes, browning and dry anthers with few normal pollens. The sterility was stable and sterility rate was above 95% on average. The segregation ratio of fertile to sterile plants was 35：1 in the fertile selfing F2 popula- tion indicating that the mutant was a genic male sterility belonging to a pollen-less type controlled by a single recessive gene. The creation of the mutant, M207A can play a key role for heterosis utilization in proso millet.

Advances in DNA methylation and its role in cytoplasmic male sterility in higher plants

The impact of epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation on plant phenotypes has expanded the possibilities for crop development.DNA methylation plays a part in the regulation of both the chromatin structure and gene expression,and the enzyme involved,DNA methyltransferase,executes the methylation process within the plant genome.By regulating crucial biological pathways,epigenetic changes actively contribute to the creation of the phenotype.Therefore,epigenome editing may assist in overcoming some of the drawbacks of genome editing,which can have minor off-target consequences and merely facilitate the loss of a gene’s function.These drawbacks include gene knockout,which can have such off-target effects.This review provides examples of several molecular characteristics of DNA methylation,as well as some plant physiological processes that are impacted by these epigenetic changes in the plants.We also discuss how DNA alterations might be used to improve crops and meet the demands of sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming.

Fine mapping and cloning of the sterility gene Bra2Ms in nonheading Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp.chinensis)

The application of a male-sterile line is an ideal approach for hybrid seed production in non-heading Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp.chinensis).However,the molecular mechanisms underlying male sterility in B.rapa are still largely unclear.We previously obtained the natural male sterile line WS24-3 of non-heading Chinese cabbage and located the male sterile locus,Bra2Ms,on the A2 chromosome.Cytological observations revealed that the male sterility of WS24-3 resulted from disruption of the meiosis process during pollen formation.Fine mapping of Bra2Ms delimited the locus within a physical distance of about 129 kb on the A2 chromosome of B.rapa.The Bra039753 gene encodes a plant homeodomain(PHD)-finger protein and is considered a potential candidate gene for Bra2Ms.Bra039753 was significantly downregulated in sterile line WS24-3 compared to the fertile line at the meiotic anther stage.Sequence analysis of Bra039753 identified a 369 bp fragment insertion in the first exon in male sterile plants,which led to an amino acid insertion in the Bra039753 protein.In addition,the 369 bp fragment insertion was found to cosegregate with the male sterility trait.This study identified a novel locus related to male sterility in non-heading Chinese cabbage,and the molecular marker obtained in this study will be beneficial for the marker-assisted selection of excellent sterile lines in non-heading Chinese cabbage and other Brassica crops.

Morphological and cytological assessments reveal pollen degradation causes pollen abortion in cotton cytoplasmic male sterility lines

Background Understanding the mechanism of male sterility is crucial for producing hybrid seeds and developing sterile germplasm resources.However,only a few cytoplasmic male sterility(CMS)lines of cotton have been produced due to several challenges,like inadequate variation of agronomic traits,incomplete sterility,weak resilience of restorer lines,and difficulty in combining strong dominance.Therefore,the morphological and cytological identification of CMS in cotton will facilitate hybrid breeding.Results Two F_(2) segregating populations of cotton were constructed from cytoplasmic male sterile lines(HaA and 01A,maternal)and restorer lines(HaR and 26R,paternal).Genetic analysis of these populations revealed a segregation ratio of 3:1 for fertile to sterile plants.Phenotypic analysis indicated no significant differences in traits of flower bud development between sterile and fertile plants.However,sterile plants exhibited smaller floral organs,shortened filament lengths,and anther atrophy on the flowering day in comparison with the fertile plants.When performed scanning electron microscopy(SEM),the two F_(2) populations revealed morphological variations in the anther epidermis.Cellular analysis showed no significant differences in pollen development before pollen maturation.Interestingly,between the pollen maturation and flowering stages,the tapetum layer of sterile plants degenerated prematurely,resulting in abnormal pollen grains and gradual pollen degradation.Conclusion The results of this study suggest that fertility-restoring genes are controlled by a single dominant gene.Sterile plants exhibit distinctive floral morphology,which is characterized by stamen atrophy and abnormal anthers.Pollen abortion occurs between pollen maturity and flowering,indicating that premature tapetum degradation may be the primary cause of pollen abortion.Overall,our study provides a theoretical basis for utilizing CMS in hybrid breeding and in-depth investigation of the dominant configuration of cotton hybrid combinations,mechanisms of sterility,and the role of sterile and restorer genes.

Mapping of Fertility Restoring Gene for Aegilops kotschyi Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Wheat Using SSR Markers

LK783 was found to be a good fertility restorer for K-type male sterility of wheat. Microsatel-lite markers were employed to map the major restoring gene in LK783. Maintainer and restorer DNA pools were established using the extreme sterile and fertile plants among (KJ5418A//911289/LK783)F1 population, respectively. Seventy-nine sets of SSR primers were screened for polymorphism between the two pools, 6 of which were found polymorphic. Linkage analysis showed that Xgwm11, Xgwm18, Xgwm264a and Xgwm273 were linked to the restoring gene in LK783, while Xgwm11, Xgwm18 and Xgwm273 were co-segregated. The distance between the Rf gene in LK783 and the three co-segregated markers was 6.54 ± 4.37 cM, the distance between Rf gene and Xgwm264a was 5. 71 ± 4.10 cM. The four SSR markers were located on chromosome IBS by amplifying the DNA of nulli-tetrasomics and ditelosomics of CS with the 4 sets of primers, indicating that the major restoring gene in LK783 was located on IBS, but the relative location of the gene was different from Rfv1, allelism of the two genes should be further investigated. The breeding for new fertility restorer lines of K-type cytoplasmic male sterility in wheat would be facilitated by using the four polymorphic markers.

Genetic Analysis and Primary Mapping of pms4, a Photoperiod-Sensitive Genic Male Sterility Gene in Rice (Oryza sativa)

To understand the genetic characteristics of a new photoperiod-sensitive genic male sterile line Mian 9S, some reciprocal crosses were made between Mian 9S and six indica rice materials, Yangdao 6, Luhui 602, Shuihui 527, Mianhui 725, Fuhui 838 and Yixiang 1B. Genetic analysis results suggested that the photoperiod-sensitive genic male sterility （PGMS） of Mian 9S was controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. Thus, the F2 population derived from the cross of Yangdao 6/Mian 9S was used to map the PGMS gene in Mian 9S. By using SSR markers, the PGMS gene of Mian 9S was mapped on one side of the markers, RM6659 and RM1305, on rice chromosome 4, with the genetic distances of 3.0 cM and 3.5 cM, respectively. The gene was a novel PGMS gene and designated tentatively as pms4. In addition, the application of the pms4 gene was discussed.

The cotton mitochondrial chimeric gene orf610a causes male sterility by disturbing the dynamic balance of ATP synthesis and ROS burst

Plant cytoplasmic male sterility(CMS)is maternally inherited and often manifested as aborted pollen development,but the molecular basis of abortion remains to be identified.To facilitate an investigation of CMS in cotton,the complete sequence of cotton mitochondrial(mt)genome for CMS-D2 line ZBA was determined.The mt genome was assembled as a single circular molecule with 634,036 bp in length.A total of 194 ORFs,36 protein-coding genes,six r RNAs,and 24 t RNAs were identified.Several chimeric genes encoding hypothetical proteins with transmembrane domains were identified.Among them,a previously unknown chimeric gene,orf610a,which is composed of atp1 and a 485-bp downstream sequence of unknown nature,was identified.RT-PCR and q RT-PCR validation indicated that orf610a was expressed specifically in a sterile line.Ectopic expression of orf610a in yeast resulted in excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species and reduction in ATP content,in addition to inhibition of cellular growth.Transgenic A.thaliana overexpressing orf610a fused with a mitochondrial targeting peptide displayed partial male sterility.Interaction between ORF610a and the nuclear-encoded protein RD22 indicated an association between ORF610a and pollen abortion.Positive feedback during transcriptional regulation between nuclear regulatory factors and the mt CMS gene may account for the male sterility of ZBA.

Identification of a locus associated with genic male sterility in maize via EMS mutagenesis and bulked-segregant RNA-seq

Genic male sterility(GMS) is one of the most important resources for exploiting heterosis in crop breeding, so that identifying genomic loci regulating GMS is desirable. However, many regulatory genes controlling GMS have not yet been characterized in maize, owing partly to a lack of genetic materials. We generated a recessive male-sterile maize mutant in the Jing 724 genetic background via ethyl methanesulfonate treatment, and found the male sterility to be due to a single gene mutation. Bulk-segregant RNA sequencing of three replicates indicated that one genomic region located at the end of chromosome 4 was associated with the observed mutant phenotype. Among genes with nonsynonymous mutations,Zm00001 d053895(bHLH51) showed abolished expression in the sterile bulks and was annotated as a bHLH transcription factor orthologous to Arabidopsis AMS, suggesting an association with the male sterility of the mutant. Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR assays further validated the exclusive correlation of male sterility with the single C-to-T mutation in the fifth exon. The new maize mutant and the potential SNP locus provide novel genetic material for investigating the molecular mechanism underlying tapetal development and may facilitate the improvement of hybrid production systems.

Mapping Major Restore Genes for C-type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Maize with SSR Marker

Through observation about the restoration of male fertility of F2 and BC, progeny, we found that the restoring line Fengkel had two duplicating restorer genes. The restorer gene R/5 in Fengkel background was located on chromosome 5L by SSR method; it linked with bnlg1711, bnlg1346 and phi058, the genetic distances with bnlg1711, bnlg1346, and phi058 were 7.51cM, 1.68cM, and 9.87cM respectively; the restorer gene Rf4 was mapped on chromosome 8S linked with bnlg2307.

Plant Male Sterility Induced by Anti-Gene CYP86MF in Brassica oleracea var. italica

An anti-gene CYP86MF was introduced into hypocotyls of broccoli （Brassica oleracea L.var. italica Plenck） with Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and the transgenic plants were obtained by kanamycin selection. The results of PCR, Southern blot and Northern blot indicated that the anti-CYP86MF has been integrated into chromosome of the transgenic plant. And also, plants with hypogenetic stamina or ungerminated pollen were observed. The transgenic male sterility plant could fructify via artificial pollination with normal pollen. Thus it was proved that the pistil of male sterility plant was normally developed, and the sterility originated from anti-CYP86MF.

Establishment and Identification of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Brassica napus by Intergeneric Somatic Hybridization

Exploitation of novel cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a main approach for widening the cytoplasmic genetic background of hybrid oilseed rape and avoiding epidemic risk in oilseed rape production. In this study, symmetric somatic hybrids between Brassica napus var. Zhongshuang4 and Sinapis arvensis (Ye- you18) were produced by protoplast fusion. Two of the six established hybrids were male sterile showing trace or no pollen release upon flowering with non- or slightly extended stamens. Using Zhongshuang4 as a recurrent parent to pollinate the male sterile plants, the ratio of male sterile plants increased with the number of backcrosses. As early as in BC 3 generation, most of the sterile families had nearly 100% sterile plants. Up to BC 4 generation, the male sterility became stable and no fertility segregation was observed. All F 1 progenies from tested crosses using restorer and maintainer lines of Polima CMS were 100% sterile, indicating that the established CMS by somatic hybridization is different from Polima CMS. The origin of the cytoplasm and potential use of this novel CMS in oilseed rape breeding were discussed.

Genetic analysis of fertility restoring genes for AL-type male sterility in wheat

In order to screen molecular markers linked to fertility restoring genes and further improve the breeding efficiency of restorer lines, in this study, wheat varieties 18A, 18B and 99AR144-1 were used as experimental materials to establish F2 fertility-segregating population. Plant quantitative trait ＂major gene ＋ polygene mixed mo- del＂ separation analysis method and simple sequence repeat （SSR） molecular markers were adopted for genetic analysis of four generations, including the parents （P~ and P2）, and hybrid （G and G） populations. The results show that AL-type fertility restoring gene is controlled by two pairs of additive-dominant-epistatic genes and addi- tive-dominant polygene; two primers linked to fertility restoring genes were selected by SSR molecular markers, including Xgwm95 on chromosome 2A and Barc61 on chromosome 1B, with the linkage distance of 15.0 cM and 18.0 cM, respectively. Based on verification, these two markers are reliable for distinguishing AL-type wheat ste- rile lines and restorer lines.

Mapping of Rice Fertility-Restoring Genes for ID-Type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in a Restorer Line R68

An F2 population derived from the cross Zhong 9A/R68 was used to map the fertility-restoring （Rf） gene for ID-type cytoplasmic male sterility （CMS）. Two bulks （a fertile bulk and a sterile bulk） were constructed by pooling equal amount of ten highly fertile lines and ten highly sterile lines, respectively. Four hundred and thirteen pairs of simple sequence repeat （SSR） primers, which evenly distributed on 12 chromosomes of rice, were selected for analyzing polymorphisms between the parents and between the two bulks. The primer RM283 on chromosome 1 and the primers RM5756, RM258, RM6100 and RM171 on chromosome 10 were found to be polymorphic between the parents and between the two bulks. These five SSR markers were linked to fertility-restoring genes. A total of 82 excessive sterile lines were selected from Zhong 9A/R68 F2 population to estimate the genetic distance between five SSR markers and fertility-restoring genes respectively. The results indicated that one Rf gene was linked to RM283 located on chromosome 1 at a distance of 6.7 cM, and the other Rfgene was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 10 flanked by RM258 and RM6100 at the distances of 8.0 cM and 2.4 cM, respectively.

Breeding for Male-Sterility Line with G. barbadense Nuclear Background and Cytological Observation of Its Microsporogenesis

To study the feasibility of utilizing the heterosis of interspecific （Gossypium barbadense x G. hirsutum） hybrid cotton based on cytoplasmic male-sterility system, a G. barbadense male-sterility line HaiA with G. harknessii cytoplasm and its maintainer HaiB were developed by replacing nuclear genome from G. hirsuturn to G. barbadense in a backcross breeding program. Its male cell abortion was observed using a light microscope through a paraffin slice for H.E staining technique. The results showed that the abortion characteristics in HaiA were not significantly changed at the cytological level, although G. hirsuturn nuclear genome of sterile line was replaced by G. barbadense nuclear genome, and its abortion mainly took place at the stage of the microspore mother cell meiosis. HaiA sterility was very stable because of its early abortion and no-pollens in anthers. Hybrids between HaiA and G. hirsuturn restorers were high in pollen viability, boll setting rate, boll weight and lint percentage which contributed to high yield heterosis. It is suggested that HaiA is of great value in the application of cotton interspecific hybrid seed production.

A Review on Creating Male Sterility in Vegetable Crops by Genetic Engineering

With the deep researches on male sterility genetic engineering of plants, several strategies creating male sterile materials have been developed, such as causing pollen abortion by cytotoxic genes, antisense RNA or RNAi silencing the expression of genes related to pollen development, early degradation of tapetum callose leading to male sterility. Male sterile transgenic plants can be obtained through genetic transformation with related genes destroying or interfering with pollen or anther development. Male sterile cauliflower, tomato, cabbage, etc. have been developed in this way, and some begin to be used to produce hybrid seed. Appling some techniques can also maintain and restore the male sterility. These related researches will effectively promote the heterosis utilization and the development of crop breeding. This paper mainly presents their principles and applications in vegetable crops.