In vitro normal and variant development of t'ef (Eragrostis tef) spikelets

Abstract

Spikelets of t'ef, Eragrostis tef were cultured from the pre-anthesis stage to seed maturation, although only a small proportion of these seeds germinated to produce adult plants. A liquid culture medium originally formulated for wheat spikelets was used and it is of interest that grass stigmas normally classified as ‘dry’ function under these conditions. Varietal differences of response were observed and examples were found where although seed setting within the spikelet was less than under in vivo situation. The implications are considered for spikelet culture in an ‘old’ genus such as Eragrostis where one species, E. tef, is recognised as conspicuously variable.