Meiotic Arrest Compromises Pollen Fertility in an Interspecific Hybrid Between \u3cem\u3eBrachiaria Ruziziensis\u3c/em\u3e X \u3cem\u3eBrachiaria Decumbens\u3c/em\u3e (Gramineae)

Disruptions in meiosis, development of the free microspores, microspore mitosis, pollen differentiation or anthesis can result in male-sterile plants (Glover et al., 1998). An understanding of the meiotic process is pivotal to work on reproduction, fertility, genetics and breeding in plants, with serious implications in crop production (Armstrong & Jones, 2003). Some African species of Brachiaria are the most important for pastures in the American tropics due to good adaptation and production. Artificial hybridization is underway in Embrapa to improve production, quality and insect resistance (Valle & Miles, 2001). For a cultivar to be successfully adopted good seed production and pollen viability are required. This paper reports on meiotic abnormalities impairing pollen fertility in a hybrid between B. ruziziensis x B. decumbens