The Stimulation of Chemical Male Sterility for F1 Hybrid Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa Var. Longifolia) Production

Abstract

Male sterility is a unique application in the production of F1 hybrid seeds of some important species. Today, while F1 hybrid lettuce varieties of abroad origin take their place in the Türkiye seed market, unfortunately, we do not have a native F1 hybrid variety. Besides, F1 hybrid seed production has become a prestige for multi-national companies regardless of the type of vegetable. Within this perspective, the effects of some chemical hybridizing agents (CHAs) such as E4FO, Ethrel and GA3 on male sterilizing activity in lettuce cultivars (Maylight352 F1, Presidential and Yedikule) were evaluated. Therefore, pollen presence in the early bud stage, seed formation and seed viability (germination) were examined. The applications had different effects on pollen presence, seed formation and seed germination, and thus male sterility. Ethrel was not effective at low doses, but at high doses, it caused flower bud deformation and growth retardation. E4FO is partially effective, but the application doses are low. Therefore, E4FO should be used at higher than 1500 ppm and 2000 ppm. GA3 applications produced the best results in stimulating male sterility, and full sterility (% 100) was achieved from 200, 250 and 300 ppm in all cultivars. As a result, 200 ppm GA3 was determined as the recommendable dose in the production of Fı hybrid lettuce.