Development of the female gametophyte in the sterile ecotype of the bolting Allium sativum L.

Manifestations of female sterility were investigated in a sterile bolting ecotype of Allium sativum (garlic). Morphological studies revealed interference during the formation of integuments around the nucellus and the lack of a micropylar channel and anatomical studies revealed disorders in female gametophyte formation. As the consequence of developmental abnormalities ovule abortion was observed. Finally, significant differences were revealed between 2D protein profiles of sterile ovules of A. sativum and fertile ovules of Allium tuberosum. Further possibilities of application of modern proteomic tools to identify proteins responsible for developmental changes in sterile ovules of A. sativum are discussed.