Microsporogenesis and gametophyte maturation in cultured tassels of Zea mays

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Abstract
Normal meiosis and pollen maturation occurred in vitro in anthers of cultured tassels of Zea mays L. (cv. Seneca-60). The meiotic figures observed in propiocarmine squashes of these anthers were comparable to those of anthers which developed in situ, not only in terms of the end product, pollen, but also in the intermediate stages. Meiotic prophase stages, quartets and microspores, and binucleate pollen regularly appeared within 7, 10, and 14 days of culture, respectively. This timing was 3–4 days behind that found in situ. Cytoplasmic and nucleolar staining, chromosomal configurations, and cell size were similar to that found in situ.