Phenotypic features of cms in seed-bearing plants of red beet

Phenotypic characteristics defining the CMS in plants of red beet have been studied. The level of sterility varied from 5 to 100 %. Four groups of anthers were sorted out where each group distinguished by certain color, diameter, the number and size of pollen grains inside. The increase of sterility of plants provoked the decrease of pollen diameter, pollen viability in fertile flowers; along this the speed of pollen tube growth is reduced.