A comparative study on the anther development and microsporogenesis in male-fertile and male-sterile Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum)

The development of anthers and their microspores was examined in male-fertile plant and male-sterile mutants of Allium tuberosum. Anthers of eight stages, from archisporal cells to anthesis of both types of plants were processed for light microscopy. Results of those observations indicated that male-sterility was caused by the malfunctions of fat tapetum which broke down at microsporogenesis from spore mother cell to successive stages. The probable reason why this conclusion did not agree with that reported by other authors is discussed. Based on the fact that the fat tapetum in male-sterile mutants did not influence the development of other wall layers reported in this paper, it is a good example for further studying the different functions of male-sterile genes.