Study of tapetum in genic male-sterile (ms10) maize (Zea mays L)

The ultrastructures of the tapetum of genic male-sterile mutant (ms10/ms10) and a related fertile cultivar in maize (Zea mays L.) were compared. Extensive development of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and large cytoplasmic channels between adjacent tapetal cells were observed in the male-fertile plants. However, an abnormal densely packed membranous structure in the tapetal cells was observed in the male-sterile mutant. In contrast to the fertile counterpart, no orbicule development was observed in the male-sterile plants.