Development of a cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterile line of soybean

The F₁ of N8855 x N2899, a cross between two cultivars of G. max (L.) Merr., was found to be male-sterile. After it was back-crossed with the recurrent parent N2899 for four successive generations, a cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterile line and its maintainer line, designated as NJCMS1A and NJCMS1B, respectively, were obtained. NJCMS1A was stable in male sterility with 98.29% plants being male-sterile at 0% pollen germination, while its female fertility was normal. The pollen abortion of NJCMS1A occurred at the binucleate stage. Then the vacuolation and disintegration of cytoplasm became further pronounced in NJCMS1A pollen. In addition, the abnormal phenomenon of 2 ∼ 3 styles surrounded by 20 ∼ 30 stamens was found in a few flowers of some male-sterile plants at BC₁F₁ and BC₂F₁. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.