Triploid Induction in Populus alba x P. glandulosa by Chromosome Doubling of Female Gametes

Efficient methods for obtaining unreduced female gametes are needed for triploid induction in Populus alba x P. glandulosa. A cytological study of MMCs and PMCs meiosis and staminate floral elongation revealed that there was a close association between MMCs meiotic stage and male bud phenology during development under the same environment conditions. Female buds of Populus alba x P. glandulosa were treated with 0.5% colchicine solution at the selected meiotic stages based on male bud phenology. The treated buds were pollinated with pollen of P. tomentosa. A high rate of unreduced female gametes occurred in late leptotene and pachytene stages of MMC, as evidenced by a relatively higher percentage of triploids in the progeny, when compared to progeny from colchincine application at other meiotic stages. The present results demonstrated that male bud phenology can be used to guide colchicine applications to female buds and cause a more efficient production of triploids.