About this Research Topic
The formation of plant gametes is a crucial developmental stage during the angiosperm life cycle that permits the development of embryos and seeds. In higher plants, gametogenesis occurs in the ovary and the anthers within the flowers.
Anther and pollen development involves the coordinated growth of tissues and cell types required for the formation of male gametes, but also, to permit pollen release and ensure successful fertilization. The identification of the genetic networks and regulatory molecules involved in the formation of the anther remains a highly unexplored topic in crops.
Under the global changes on environmental conditions, pollen development is probably one of the most challenged stages of plant reproduction. Several studies reveal the effect of high temperatures on microspore formation and fertility. Increasing basic research will provide valuable information to assist the design of biotechnological tools to mitigate this effect in the future.
Pollen biotechnology offers a wide range of possibilities for plant breeding. Promising steps have been followed to use pollen as a starting material to obtain new varieties of plants or to deliver molecules to the ovule. On the other hand, genetically engineered male sterile plants offer a valuable trait on plant breeding programs for many crops.
This Research Topic intends to highlight the latest advances in pollen research and the multiple biotechnological applications for plant breeding. This is also an opportunity to generate a discussion forum for future collaborations and synergies. We welcome all types of articles that provide insights into but not limited to the following aspects:
- Genetics of pollen development in crops
- Pollen biotechnology for plant breeding
- Pollen stress tolerance
- Biology and physiology of pollen
- Pollen-pistil interactions
Anther and pollen development involves the coordinated growth of tissues and cell types required for the formation of male gametes, but also, to permit pollen release and ensure successful fertilization. The identification of the genetic networks and regulatory molecules involved in the formation of the anther remains a highly unexplored topic in crops.
Under the global changes on environmental conditions, pollen development is probably one of the most challenged stages of plant reproduction. Several studies reveal the effect of high temperatures on microspore formation and fertility. Increasing basic research will provide valuable information to assist the design of biotechnological tools to mitigate this effect in the future.
Pollen biotechnology offers a wide range of possibilities for plant breeding. Promising steps have been followed to use pollen as a starting material to obtain new varieties of plants or to deliver molecules to the ovule. On the other hand, genetically engineered male sterile plants offer a valuable trait on plant breeding programs for many crops.
This Research Topic intends to highlight the latest advances in pollen research and the multiple biotechnological applications for plant breeding. This is also an opportunity to generate a discussion forum for future collaborations and synergies. We welcome all types of articles that provide insights into but not limited to the following aspects:
- Genetics of pollen development in crops
- Pollen biotechnology for plant breeding
- Pollen stress tolerance
- Biology and physiology of pollen
- Pollen-pistil interactions
Keywords: Pollen development, Crops, Male sterility, Haploids, Stress tolerance, Plant breeding
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
