Cytogenetics, embryology and fertility of red clover [Trifolium pratense L.] with short flowers and anthocyanin spots on the leaves

Anthocyanin spot on the leaves of red clover is inherited independently of light spot and uniform leaf colour. The gene determining anthocyanin spot is probably localized on the other chromosome than the gene determining light spot on the leaves. A short flower tube is also determined by a single recessive gene of a pleiotropic action. It simultaneously causes reduction of pistil style, thickening of the endothecium layer in anthers - entails their indehiscence, pollen grain-agglutination and often deformation, no division of part of pollen grains into a vegetative and generative cells as well as germination of single grains in pollen sacks. The changes in the structure of endothecium and pollen grains cause almost complete male and female infertility of plants with short flower tubes.