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Researchers at Stanford have developed and patented methods to control the fertility of male plants.
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Summary: Researchers at Stanford have developed and patented methods to control the fertility of male plants. In Angiosperms (the Flowering Plants) the differentiation of flowers is triggered by intrinsic and environmental cues. Flowers are initially composed only of somatic cells, and the origin of reproductive (meiotically competent) cells has been a botanical mystery. What is the nature of the somatic to germ cell switch and can this switch be controlled to manipulate plant reproduction? Stanford researchers have discovered that the number future meiotic cells, called archesporial (AR) cells, can be altered by exposing maize flowers to various environmental conditions prior to AR differentiation. By exposing the anther to hypoxic conditions, the number of AR cells can be increased. Excess oxygen reduces and delays AR specification and other aspects of anther development. These results suggest new, safe and effective treatments to control male fertility and hence permit facile production of hybrid seed. Applications: Agriculture Seed/Crop Production Plant Breeding Advantages: Control Over Anther Size / Pollen Production Novel Approach to Male Sterility No Toxicity Ease of Implementation Outdoor Application Possible Low Cost