parthenogenesis

Megaspore- and megagametophytogenesis in tobacco mutant with reduced cells number in embryo sacs were studied. It is established, that the mutation causes a disturbance of one pair of homologous chromosomes conjugation in meiosis. Consequently alongside with the haploid (24-chromosomal) spores aneuploid (23-chromosomal) spores forms which are developed into abnormal embryo sacs. At cenocyte stage of megagametophytes development falling out of 1-2 mitoses and/or their abnormal course were observed, as well as abnormalities in embryo sacs polarization.

Many modern selection technologies are based on the use of haploid plants as a starting material. The spontaneous frequency of haploid development is very low (0.01–0.1%). In this regard, the creation of plant forms with increased frequency of parthenogenesis is important. The collection of corn lines with an increased frequency of haploid plants in the progeny was created at the Department of Genetics of the Saratov State University. High costs are required for maintain of a plant collections in the field.