Breeding system in a population of Trigonella balansae (Leguminosae).
OBJECTIVE
Although some taxonomic studies in the genus Trigonella have been conducted, there has been no concerted effort to study the breeding system. This paper examines the floral structure and pollination system in a population of T. balansae, an annual pasture legume.


METHODS
Floral morphology, hand and vector pollination, stigma receptivity, pollen tube growth, using scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy, were conducted.


RESULTS
Measurements of floral structure from before to after anthesis indicates an inability for T. balansae to self-pollinate and a requirement for an external vector to effectively transfer pollen from the anthers onto the stigmas of this species. Seed set can be obtained by hand or honeybee manipulation of T. balansae flowers.


CONCLUSIONS
Trigonella balansae is a self-compatible species, but which requires vectors such as honeybees to bring about pollination.
South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI), GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. madhavannair.ram@saugov.sa.gov.au
Ramakrishnan M
RM
Nair
Ian S
IS
Dundas
Meredith
M
Wallwork
Dawn C
DC
Verlin
Lyn
L
Waterhouse
Kate
K
Dowling
D035264:Flowers / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D011058:Pollen / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D013045:Species Specificity; D029910:Trigonella / Q000502:physiology*