Male sterility in clary sage

The CMS trait in clary sage manifests through the degeneration of the androecium or the formation of non-viable pollen and is maternally inherited. For breeding purposes, lines with complete and stable male sterility are used, which ensure the efficient production of hybrid seeds.

Identification of sterile forms is carried out under field conditions by visually assessing the state of the reproductive organs. Key morphological criteria include developmental abnormalities in the anthers, such as indehiscence, partial degeneration, or complete absence, which allows for the classification of plants into reproductive biotypes.

The use of CMS is limited to seed production. On commercial plantations intended for the harvesting of medicinal raw materials or essential oil, this trait is not a determinant of productivity unless heterotic hybrids are directly employed.