Abstract
Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) is one of the most important economical tree species in Japan. However pollen allergy caused by a large number of pollen released from sugi has become a serious social problem. Recently, a male sterile sugi clone (named as Soshun) was found, and has been multiplied by tissue culture and cuttings. Moreover, if male sterile genes or its related genes are isolated, it is easy to attempt breeding of other many various sugi male sterile clones.
Male flowers from Soshun were gathered every week from late August. Its mature process was observed by an electron microscope, and a subtraction library was constructed following pollen development. About 200 candidate genes was isolated, of which, 17% was corresponded to PrMale gene from Pinus radiata. Similar, 6.8% was chalcone synthase-like protein and 6.3% was dihydroflavonol 4-reductase. More genes were screened and expression patter was investigated.
