Induction of male sterility in plants by a chimaeric ribonuclease gene

Abstract

Chimaeric ribonuclease genes that are expressed in the anthers of transformed tobacco and oilseed rape plants were constructed. Chimaeric ribonuclease gene expression within the anther selectively destroys the tapetal cell layer that surrounds the pollen sac, prevents pollen formation, and leads to male sterility. These nuclear male sterility genes should facilitate the production of hybrid seed in various crop plants. © 1990 Nature Publishing Group.