Analysis of chalcone synthase gene in chemically induced male sterility (CIMS) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Chemically induced male sterility (CIMS) is one of the male sterility system used for hybrid wheat production in China. However, the mechanism of sterility remains unclear. The expression of chalcone synthase (CHS) gene was assessed in anthers to determine its role in fertility/sterility in wheat. The expression levels of CHS gene was evaluated by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). qPCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of CHS gene were downregulated in CIMS. The sporopollenin contents in anthers underwent a sharp decrease in 1376-CIMS. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that pollen wall formation was significantly altered in 1376-CIMS. This phenomenon implied that CHS gene expression was inhibited during the fertility transformation process and was related to the transformation from fertility to sterility. Moreover, results indicated that CHS plays an essential role in conducting fertility in chemically interfered male sterility.