Chromosomal Pairing and Pollen Viability in Rhizophora mangle and Rhizophora stylosa Hybrids

Abstract

Two prominent mangrove species of Fiji, Rhizophora mangle, Linn. Rhizophora stylosa Griff and their puative hyubrid (R x selala) were analysed for chromosome number and pairing. Both parental species and their hybrid possess a diploid number of (2n) = 36 chromosomes. Regular 18 bivalents were observed in two species but the hybrid lacked proper chromosome pairing during meiosis. Analysis of tetrads showed normal tetrad and microspores development in parental species but very high abnormality in the hybrid. Pollen fertility determined by staining technique and pollen germination technique showed very high pollen viability in both parental species but very low pollen viability in the putative hybrid. Lack of chromosomal homology appears to be contributing to high percentage of non-viable pollen resulting in complete sterility in the putative hybrid.