Reproductive barriers to hybridizations between narrow-leaf and broad-leaf Anoectochilus roxburghii

Narrow-leaf and broad-leaf Anoectochilus roxburghii were used as reciprocal parents to explore the reason for low seed setting rate. Pollen-pistil interaction was observed by fluorescence microscopy and hybrid embryo development by paraffin section technology. The results indicated that pollen tube growth could reach the embryo sac, and double fertilization could be completed. These findings showed that a pre-fertilization barrier was not the major factor in the cross of narrow-leaf and broad-leaf A. roxburghii. The endosperm development of the hybrid was abnormal and eventually promoted abortion of the embryos. A post-fertilization barrier appears to be the major factor for low seed setting rate in the cross of narrow-leaf and broad-leaf A. roxburghii. In addition, an efficient protocol of embryo rescue, the development of which is reported elsewhere, was used to compare the time needed for rescue between the reciprocal crosses.