Reproductive mode and DNA content of Paspalum accessions from Plicatula group Reproduction and DNA content of Paspalum

This study aims the reproductive and DNA content characterization of ten different Paspalum species from the Plicatula group (P. atratum, P. compressifolium, P. guenoarum, P. lenticulare, P. lepton, P. oteroi, P. plicatulum, P. rhodopedum, P. rojasii and P. wrightii), contributing to the determination of the best breeding and conservation method to be used. The DNA content of 150 accessions was estimated by flow cytometry using foliar tissues. The reproductive mode of 135 accessions was characterized by flow cytometric seed screening, and five accessions were determined by cytoembryological ovary analysis. DNA content ranged from 1.50 pg (BGP 380) to 4.27 pg (BGP 193), both from P. compressifolium species. Most of the accessions were compatible to the tetraploid level, except for BGP 281 (P. lenticulare), BGP 272 (P. rojasii), and BGP 380 (P. compressifolium), which were diploids. Accessions with tetraploid DNA content presented apomictic reproduction, whereas the three diploid accessions were sexual. These results contribute to the reproductive knowledge of species of the Plicatula group. The diploid sexual accessions identified represent important material to overcome the apomictic barrier in crosses and can be used after polyploidization as female parents in crosses with apomictic accessions in Paspalum breeding programs.