Meiotic stability and sexual reproduction of diploid <i>Paspalum notatum</i> Flügge accession

Abstract

Paspalum notatum has a good forage value and agronomic traits. The biggest problem is related to the reproduction mode, which limits crossings. This study aimed to confirm the ploidy level, analyze meiotic behavior, and determine the reproductive mode of accessions of the species. One diploid accession of P. notatum, the cultivar Pensacola, was used as a sexual and diploid control, and one native accession was used as a tetraploid and apomictic. Young inflorescences were used to analyze the ploidy level and meiotic behavior, and mature inflorescences were used to evaluate the reproductive mode. For accessions 92N and Pensacola, diploid and tetraploid accessions were confirmed. The meiotic behavior of the accessions was regular. The reproductive modes of accessions 92N and Pensacola were sexual, whereas the tetraploid accession was apomictic. P. notatum 92N is a promising species for inclusion in breeding programs because of its reproductive mode and meiotic stability.