Permanent odd polyploidy in a grass (Andropogon ternatus)

Abstract

Andropogon ternatus is a triploid species (2n = 3x = 30) with a striking process of microsporogenesis that leads to the formation of two kinds of pollen grains. One-half of the grains carry only one 10-chromosome genome and the other half carry two genomes. After the first meiotic division in the megaspore mother cell, the micropylar daughter cell always has two nuclei, each with 10 chromosomes (genomes S and T); the chalazal daugher cell has one 10-chromosome set (genome S) and undergoes the second meiotic division giving rise to two megaspores; the one closer to the chalaza is the functional megaspore, while the other degenerates. The two-nucleate micropylar daughter cell remains undivided and then degenerates. Thus, the embryo sac always develops from a megaspore with 10 chromosomes (genome S). The results of interspecific crosses with a taxonomically related diploid species (A. selloanus) as well as the study of pollen grain development suggest that the grains carrying nuclei with 20 chromosomes (genomes ST) are functional in the fertilization process, while those with 10-chromosome nuclei seem to be ineffective. Therefore, A. ternatus is a sexual triploid that accomplishes the stability of its odd polyploid level by transmitting one genome through the egg cell and two genomes through the sperm nucleus. This is the first report of permanent odd polyploidy for a species of the monocotyledons. Key words: Gramineae, Andropogon ternatus, odd polyploidy, female meiosis, breeding systems.