Significance of stigma receptivity in intergeneric cross-pollination of Salix × Populus

Elżbieta Zenkteler,Łukasz Zarychta,Maria Katarzyna Wojciechowicz

doi:10.5586/asbp.3498

Elżbieta Zenkteler, Łukasz Zarychta + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.5586/asbp.3498

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Abstract

The pollen–stigma interaction plays an important role in reproductive process and has been continuously studied in many interspecific and intergeneric crossing experiments. The aim of this study was to investigate stigma receptivity (SR) of willow in order to determine the most suitable period for its pollination with poplar pollen and improve the effectiveness of <em>Salix × Populus</em> crosses. Tissue samples were examined histologically using light, epifluorescent, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Willow SR was determined by stigma morphological traits, test of pollen germination rate, Peroxtesmo test of peroxidase and esterase activity on stigma surface as well as papilla ultrastructure at anthesis. We have ascertained that the SR duration in willow is short, lasting from 1 to 2 DA. The poplar pollen germination rate on willow stigmas on 1 DA ranged from 26.3 to 11.2%.

Highlights

In Europe, there are 65 to 70 members of the genus Salix L. (Salicaceae), depending on the system of classification
Individual flower is built of a single pistil with a short hollow style, dry stigmas and a transparent appendage with nectariferous tissue located at their base
The pistil of the genus Salix sp. represents a syncarpous, bicarpellate gynoecium, which contains a unilocular ovary with a parietal placentation, on which 6–8–12 anatropous ovules develop, with reduced or absent endosperm

Summary

Introduction

In Europe, there are 65 to 70 members of the genus Salix L. (Salicaceae), depending on the system of classification. The dioecious species, with separate male and female plants, flower abundantly in early spring (March, April). Their inflorescences form catkins, contain numerous reduced pistillate or staminate flowers [1,2,3]. Among the most frequent woody species in Poland are Salix cinerea, S. fragilis, S. purpurea, and S. viminalis, that differ in morphology and their role in ecosystems. These species often naturally hybridize interspecifically and represent a high degree of phenotypic plasticity [3]. Some aspects of the flowering biology and stigma receptivity in Salix are still insufficiently recognized

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