scholarly journals VviPLATZ1 is a major factor that controls female flower morphology determination in grapevine

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pat Iocco-Corena ◽  
Jamila Chaïb ◽  
Laurent Torregrosa ◽  
Don Mackenzie ◽  
Mark R. Thomas ◽  
...  

AbstractPlant genetic sex determinants that mediate the transition to dioecy are predicted to be diverse, as this type of mating system independently evolved multiple times in angiosperms. Wild Vitis species are dioecious with individuals producing morphologically distinct female or male flowers; whereas, modern domesticated Vitis vinifera cultivars form hermaphrodite flowers capable of self-pollination. Here, we identify the VviPLATZ1 transcription factor as a key candidate female flower morphology factor that localizes to the Vitis SEX-DETERMINING REGION. The expression pattern of this gene correlates with the formation reflex stamens, a prominent morphological phenotype of female flowers. After generating CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited alleles in a hermaphrodite genotype, phenotype analysis shows that individual homozygous lines produce flowers with reflex stamens. Taken together, our results demonstrate that loss of VviPLATZ1 function is a major factor that controls female flower morphology in Vitis.

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (11) ◽  
pp. 1203-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Ashworth ◽  
Leonardo Galetto

In dioecious and monoecious plants that depend on animal vectors for reproduction, pollinators have to be attracted to male and female flowers for pollination to be effective. In the monoecious Cucurbita maxima ssp. andreana, male flowers are produced in greater quantity, are spatially more exposed to pollinators and offer pollen in addition to nectar as floral rewards. Nectar traits were compared between male and female flowers to determine any differences in the characteristics of the main reward offered to pollinators. Nectar chemical composition and sugar proportions were similar between flower types. Total nectar sugar production per female flower was threefold higher than per male flower, and nectar removal did not have any effect on total nectar production in both flower morphs. Pollinators reduced nectar standing crops to similar and very scarce amounts in both flower types. Results indicate indirectly that pollinators are consuming more nectar from female flowers, suggesting that the higher nectar production in female flowers may be a reward-based strategy to achieve the high female reproductive output observed in this species.Key words: Cucurbitaceae, Cucurbita maxima ssp. andreana, nectar production, nectar sugar composition, removal effects, standing crop.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 275 (2) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
XIN-JIE JIN ◽  
YAO CHEN ◽  
JOONGKU LEE ◽  
Zhechen Qi ◽  
LuXian Liu ◽  
...  

A new species, Smilax hirtellicaulis (Smilacaceae), from southwestern China is described and illustrated. The new species differs from all known Smilax species in its unique tepals, i.e., basally connate in male flowers but separate in female flowers. Phylogenetic analysis supports its species delimitation, and suggests a sister position to the clade of Smilax sect. Heterosmilax which have flowers with connate tepals. Their closest phylogenetic relationship and resembled flower morphology may represent an evolutionary transition from separate to united tepals in Smilax. It thus provides us an ideal model for studying the evolution and development of such an innovative floral trait.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Waniale ◽  
Rony Swennen ◽  
Settumba B. Mukasa ◽  
Arthur K. Tugume ◽  
Jerome Kubiriba ◽  
...  

AbstractSterility and low seed set in bananas is the main challenge to their conventional genetic improvement. The first step to seed set in a banana breeding program depends on pollination at the right time to ensure effective fertilization. This study aimed at determining bract opening time (BOT) to enhance efficient pollination and seed set in bananas. A Nikon D810 digital camera was set-up to take pictures of growing banana inflorescences at five-minute intervals and time-lapse movies were developed at a speed of 30 frames per second to allow real-time monitoring of BOT. Genotypes studied included wild banana (1), Mchare (2), Matooke (4), Matooke hybrid (1), and plantain (1). Events of bract opening initiated by bract lift for female flowers (P < 0.01) started at 16:32 h and at 18:54 h for male flowers. Start of bract rolling was at 18:51 h among female flowers (P < 0.001) and 20:48 h for male flowers. Bracts ended rolling at 02:33 h and 01:16 h for female and flowers respectively (P < 0.05). Total time of bract opening (from lift to end of rolling) for female flowers was significantly longer than that of male flowers (P < 0.001). On average, the number of bracts subtending female flowers opening increased from one on the first day, to between one and four on the fourth day. The number regressed to one bract on day eight before start of opening of bracts subtending male flowers. There was a longer opening interval between bracts subtending female and male flowers constituting spatial and temporal separation. Bract rolling increased from partial to complete rolling from proximal to the distal end of the inflorescence among female flower. On the other hand, bracts subtending male flowers completely rolled. Differences in BOT of genotypes with the same reference time of assessment may be partly responsible for variable fertility. Hand pollination time between 07:00 and 10:00 h is slightly late thus an early feasible time should be tried.


2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Akter ◽  
M. G. Rasul ◽  
A. K. M. Aminul Islam ◽  
M. M. Rahman

The experiment was conducted to study variability, correlation coefficient and path analysis for yield and quality related traits of 30 pumpkin genotypes. Significant variations were found among the genotypes for most of the characters studied. High genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and high heritability coupled with high genetic advance in percent of mean were observed for beta-carotene followed by non-reducing sugar, number of seeds per fruit, yield per plant, dry weight, flesh thickness, number of male flowers per plant and number of female flowers per plant which indicated that these characters were under additive gene control and selection for genetic improvement for these traits might be effective. Correlation co-efficient between yield per plant with number of primary branches, number of fruits per plant and single fruit weight were positive and highly significant. On the other hand, days to first female flower, number of male flowers per plant, ß- carotene and total sugar showed positive and insignificant correlation with yield per plant. But correlation between brix content and yield per plant were significantly negative. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the maximum direct contribution towards yield was obtained through number of fruits per plant followed by days to first female flower and single fruit weight indicated that these traits should be considered as primary components of yield. Negative direct effect on yield was exerted by total sugar followed by number of female flowers per plant, reducing sugar and brix content. Considering all the qualitative and quantitative traits ten genotypes as G7, G13, G14, G17, G18, G19, G20, G22, G27, G29 among thirty were selected and suggested to be selfed for the development of inbred line for use in future breeding programme.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v26i1.19981


1982 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 251 ◽  
Author(s):  
CA McConchie ◽  
SC Ducker ◽  
RB Knox

Floral development of male and female flowers in Amphibolis antarctica and A. griffithii was followed from the initiation of the floral meristem to the mature flower. In A. antarctica the flowers form on lateral branches, while in A. griffithii they may also develop terminally on an upright branch from the rhizome. A. griffithii and. to a lesser extent, A. antarctica, show sympodial branching from the floral axis. The female flower develops from a pair of primordia; in A. griffithii these primordia each develop three stigmas, which in A. antarctica subsequently may form secondary branches. The. ovary wall bears the initials of the future grappling apparatus, comprising four comb initials in A. grijjjthii and a further inner set of horns in A. antarctica. The female flowers of Amphibolis are unique amongst the members of the Cymodoceaceae in being subtended by a bract or perianth, similar to the male flowers. Differences between the floral vasculature and intravaginal squamulae are presented for both species.


2013 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 11-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Dmitruk ◽  
Elżbieta Weryszko-Chmielewska

The present study investigated the size and structure of the nectaries in flowers of marrow – <em>Cucurbita pepo </em>convar.<em> giromontiina </em>cv. ‘Weiser Busch’. The diameter and thickness of nectariferous layer were compared in female and male flowers of this taxon. The micromorphology as well as the anatomical and ultrastructural characters of the nectary from the female flower were observed using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The density and size of stomata of the nectary epidermis from both types of flowers were examined using light microscopy. The nectaries in female flowers were found to have a larger size than in male flowers. The stomata occurring in the nectary epidermis of both types of flowers have a similar size and density. We observed that nectar was released onto the surface of the nectary not only via the stomata, but also through the walls of the epidermal cells. In TEM examination, large nuclei, different-shaped plastids, ER tubules, dictyosomes, and ribosomes were observed in the nectariferous tissue cells. A large number of mitochondria accompanying the plastids were found in the parenchyma cells of the nectary. The degradation of the nectary parenchyma cells in the flowers living for about 6 hours was asynchronous.


Author(s):  
P. M. Duarte ◽  
K. M. M. de Siqueira ◽  
N. C. da Silva ◽  
G. B. S. Silva ◽  
Í. L. S. Gomes

<p>A melancieira apresenta comumente flores masculinas e femininas na mesma planta, necessitando assim dos serviços de polinização para a transferência dos grãos de pólen e consequente produção de frutos. A atratividade aos polinizadores está na dependência dos recursos florais oferecidos como recompensa durante as visitas, e como consequência a planta é beneficiada com a polinização. O objetivo desse trabalho foi registrar aspectos relevantes da floração incluindo a razão sexual e a descrição da morfologia floral de variedades de melancieira. As variedades demelancieira utilizadas foram, Congo, Elisa, Crimson super e Charleston super, em cultivo orgânico, com irrigação por gotejamento. Foram avaliados quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições, utilizando o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Para todas as variedades analisadas, foi registrada a emissão inicial de flores masculinas. Não foi registrada diferença significativa na emissão de flores femininas entre as variedades, porém para as flores masculinas a variedade Congo apresentou um maior número. Foi registrada diferença nas características da morfologia floral entre variedades e tipos florais em relação ao diâmetro e altura da flor. A presença de flores hermafroditas foi registrada com média de 1,45 (Crimson) a 0,15 flores por planta (Congo). A variedade Charleston apresentou a menor média de dias para a emissão da primeira flor feminina em relação a masculina (4,6±2,81) já a Congo apresentou a maior média (9,05±3,28). A menor razão sexual foi registrada para a variedade Elisa(1:13,32) e a maior para a Congo (1:24,05). Os menores períodos de floração foram registrados para as variedades Crimson e Elisa.</p><p> </p><p align="center"><strong><em>Flowering and floral morphology of watermelon varieties in Juazeiro-BA</em></strong></p><p><strong>Abstract-</strong> The watermelon commonly presents male and female flowers on the same plant, thus requiring the pollination services for the transfer of pollen grains and consequent production of fruits. The attractiveness to pollinators is dependent on the floral resources offered as a reward during visits and as a result the plant benefits from pollination. The objective of this study was to record important aspects of flowering including sex ratio and the description of floral morphology of varieties of watermelon. The varieties of watermelon were used, Congo, Elisa, super super Crimson and Charleston in organic farming, drip irrigation. Four treatments and four repetitions were performed using a completely randomized design. For all varieties analyzed, it was registered the initial issue of male flowers. It did not record significant difference in the issue of female flowers between varieties, but the male flowers to the Congo variety presented more. There was recorded differences in the characteristics of morphology flower varieties and types in relation to the height and flower diameter. The presence of hermaphrodite flowers was recorded with an average of 1.45 (Crimson) 0.15 flowers per plant (Congo). The Charleston variety had the lowest average number of days to issue the first female flower compared to males (4.6 ± 2.81) since the Congo had the highest average (9.05 ± 3.28). The lowest sex ratio was recorded for the variety Elisa (1: 13.32) and the highest for the Congo (1: 24.05). The smallest flowering periods were recorded for the Crimson and Elisa varieties. </p>


HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 462D-462
Author(s):  
H. Chris Wien ◽  
Dale Riggs

Reports of sharply reduced feral bee populations (Apis mellifera) due to harsh winters and prevalence of several bee diseases have raised concerns that pollination and fruit set in pumpkin fields will be adversely affected. In 1995 and 1996, five and eight pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) fields, respectively, were inventoried on three occasions per season for pollinator activity and percent fruit set. Pollen removal from male flowers was determined visually using a rating scale, while deposition of pollen on stigmata of female flowers was judged by rating fluorescence of pollen on the stigmatic surface under a “black light.” Samples were taken from 15 to 30 locations in each field, and female flowers tagged. These were considered set if they had enlarged to fist size within 14 days. In both years, the amount of pollen remaining on male flowers was negatively correlated with female flower fluorescence ratings. Neither pollen on male flowers nor stigma fluorescence were significantly correlated with percent fruit set. Fifty-two percent of tagged flowers set fruit in both years, with a range of 24% to 84%, and 17% to 78% in 1995 and 1996, respectively. Presence of bee hives in or near the fields had no effect on fruit set. The results indicate that the pollen removal and deposition ratings used were not reliable for predicting fruit set in farmers' fields. In these 2 years, bee hives were not needed in the sampled fields.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12328
Author(s):  
Baiting Qin ◽  
Xiujun Lu ◽  
Xiaomei Sun ◽  
Jianguo Cui ◽  
Jifeng Deng ◽  
...  

Juglans mandshurica Maxim is a hermaphroditic plant belonging to the genus Juglans in the family Juglandaceae. The pollination period of female flowers is different from the loose powder period of male flowers on the same tree. In several trees, female flowers bloom first, whereas in others, male flowers bloom first. In this study, male and female flower buds of J. mandshurica at the physiological differentiation stage were used. Illumina-based transcriptome sequencing was performed, and the quality of the sequencing results was evaluated and analyzed. A total of 138,138 unigenes with an average length of 788 bp were obtained. There were 8,116 differentially expressed genes (DEGs); 2,840 genes were upregulated, and 5,276 genes were downregulated. The DEGs were classified by Gene Ontology and analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The signal transduction factors involved in phytohormone synthesis were selected. The results displayed that ARF and SAUR were expressed differently in the auxin signaling pathway. Additionally, DELLA protein (a negative regulator of gibberellin), the cytokinin synthesis pathway, and A-ARR were downregulated. On April 2nd, the contents of IAA, GA, CTK, ETH and SA in male and female flower buds of two types of J. mandshurica were opposite, and there were obvious genes regulating gender differentiation. Overall, we found that the sex differentiation of J. mandshurica was related to various hormone signal transduction pathways, and hormone signal transduction plays a leading role in regulation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-488
Author(s):  
Lawrence Stephen FAYEUN ◽  
Alexander Chukwunweike ODIYI ◽  
Ayodele Moruf ADEBISI ◽  
Lateef Akinkunle HAMMED ◽  
David Kolawole OJO

Knowledge of floral biology is essential to crop improvement. Ten genotypes of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) were observed for floral morphology, phenology and insect visitation for two consecutive years. Functional dioecy of fluted pumpkin was confirmed, whereas none of the studied genotypes was monoecious. Floral structures differed significantly among the genotypes. Both male and female flowers were symmetrical, pentasepalous, fimbriate and non-bright pentapetalous, but male flowers were more numerous. Male inflorescences emerged from 11 to 14 weeks after planting and the female flower buds appeared about 4 weeks later. The flowering period of the male flowers was longer than that of female flowers and both gender flowering periods coincided for a specific interval. It took between 11 to 14 days from bud initiation to anthesis and flowering ceased when there were occurrences of successful fruits set. In both gender flowers petals started unfurling at around 6.00 pm and full bloom was achieved by dawn, while petal shrivelled at sun set (between 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm). The anthers dehisced at anthesis of the male flowers; the pollen grains were whitish and sticky. Only the male flowers have nectar and pollen and this may explain infrequent female flowers visitation. Hover flies (Cheilosia species) were the major floral visitors observed. 


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