Transgenic Approach to Male Sterility of Plants

A few decades ago considerable advances have been made in research in the field of transgenic male sterility of plants. The expressions of a series of genes are involved in the anther and pollen development. The abnormal expression of these genes would lead to pollen abortion,partially or completely. The tapetum specific or pollen specific promoter could be used to drive some kinds of foreign gene expression to interfere the male organ development and lead to pollen abortion. The fertility restorer line can also be obtained by genetic manipulation. Genetic control of plant fertilities and the heterosis of crop breeding would become more and more important.