Development of the inflorescence and flower of Philodendron fragrantissimum (Araceae): a qualitative and quantitative study

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 557-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Barabé ◽  
Christian Lacroix ◽  
Bernard Jeune
Keyword(s):  
Female Flower ◽  
Distal Portion ◽  
Sterile Male ◽  
Bisexual Flower ◽  
Inflorescence Development ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Study ◽  
Spatial Discontinuity

The early stages of inflorescence development in Philodendron fragrantissimum (Hook.) G. Don are examined using scanning electron microscopy. Pistillate flowers are initiated on the lower portion of the inflorescence and staminate flowers are initiated on the distal portion. Male flowers have 6-8 stamens (sometimes 5) and female flowers have a multilocular ovary consisting of 6-10 locules. A transition zone consisting of sterile male flowers and bisexual flowers with fused or free carpels and staminodes is also present. This zone is located between the male- and female- flower zones. Generally, the portion of the bisexual flower adjacent to the male zone forms staminodes and the portion bordering the female zone develops an incomplete gynoecium with few carpels. The different floral organs of the bisexual flowers are all inserted in the same whorl. Pistillate and staminate flowers are inserted on the same contact parastichies along the inflorescence; there is no spatial discontinuity between the female zone, the bisexual zone, and the male zone. The presence of bisexual flowers is believed to correspond to a morphogenetic gradient at the level of the inflorescence as a whole. A quantitative analysis of a series of parameters (i.e., length and width of flower types and inflorescence zones) indicates that each zone of the inflorescence has its own particular nature as far as rhythm of growth and geometry are concerned. There appears to be evidence for some form of partitioning in the global development of the inflorescence. The growth of a zone seems to be more variable in size and geometry than that of individual flowers. During later stages of development, the size of the flowers of the intermediate zone, especially the sterile male flowers, increases considerably, until it exceeds that of both male and female flowers.Key words: homeosis, morphogenesis, gradient, allometry, reproduction.

Developmental morphology of normal and atypical flowers of Philodendron insigne (Araceae): a new case of homeosis

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (11) ◽  
pp. 1160-1172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Barabé ◽  
Christian Lacroix ◽  
Bernard Jeune
Keyword(s):  
Flower Development ◽  
Distal Portion ◽  
Sterile Male ◽  
Developmental Morphology ◽  
Bisexual Flower ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Morphogenetic Gradient ◽  
Female Flowers ◽  
Scanning Electron

The early stages of development of the inflorescence of Philodendron insigne were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Pistillate flowers are initiated on the lower portion of the inflorescence and staminate flowers are initiated on the distal portion. The male flowers have three to five stamens. The female flowers have a multilocular ovary consisting of three to five locules. A transition zone consisting of sterile male flowers and atypical bisexual flowers with fused or free carpels and staminodes is located between the male and female floral zones. Generally, the portion of the bisexual flower facing the male zone forms stamens, and the portion facing the female zone develops one or two carpels. In P. insigne, the incomplete separation of staminodes from the gynoecial portion of the whorl shows that the staminodes and carpels belong to the same whorl. The atypical bisexual flowers of P. insigne are believed to be a case of homeosis where carpels have been replaced by sterile stamens on the same whorl. However, there is no regularity in the number of organs involved in the homeotic transformation taking place in atypical bisexual flowers. The presence of atypical bisexual flowers may correspond to a morphogenetic gradient at the level of the inflorescence as a whole.Key words: flower, development, gradient, inflorescence.

The game of numbers in homeotic flowers of Philodendron (Araceae)

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (10) ◽  
pp. 1459-1467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Barabé ◽  
Christian Lacroix ◽  
Bernard Jeune
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Relationship ◽  
Distal Portion ◽  
The Other ◽  
Sterile Male ◽  
Homeotic Transformation ◽  
Bisexual Flower ◽  
Position Information ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Female Flowers ◽  
Organ Replacement

In Philodendron, pistillate flowers are initiated on the proximal portion of the inflorescence and staminate flowers are initiated on the distal portion. Between the staminate and pistillate flowers, there is a transition zone consisting of sterile male flowers adjacent to the male zone and a row of atypical bisexual flowers between the sterile male zone and the female zone. The portion of the atypical bisexual flower facing the male zone forms stamens, and the portion facing the female zone develops into an incomplete gynoecium with few carpels. The atypical bisexual flowers of Philodendron are believed to be a case of homeosis where carpels are replaced by sterile stamens on the same whorl. In Philodendron melinonii Brongniart ex Regel, Philodendron pedatum (Hooker) Kunth, Philodendron squamiferum Poeppig., and Philodendron solimoesense A.C. Smith, there is a significant quantitative relationship between the number of carpels and the number of staminodes involved in the homeotic transformation in atypical bisexual flowers. On the other hand, such a significant correlation does not exist in Philodendron fragrantissimum (Hooker) Kunth and Philodendron insigne Schott, and Philodendron callosum K. Krause. There is a one to one organ replacement in homeotic flowers in both P. pedatum and P. squamiferum whereas, in P. solimoesense, an average of 2.56 staminodes replace one carpel. The average number of organs developing on an atypical bisexual flower and the number of organs involved in a homeotic transformation appear to be two independent phenomena. The number of carpels in female flowers is correlated with the maximum total number of appendages (carpels and staminodes) that can develop in atypical bisexual flowers.Key words: development, inflorescence, gradient, position, information.

Differential nectar production between male and female flowers in a wild cucurbit: Cucurbita maxima ssp. andreana (Cucurbitaceae)

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (11) ◽  
pp. 1203-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Ashworth ◽  
Leonardo Galetto
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Male Flower ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Cucurbita Maxima ◽  
Nectar Production ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Nectar Sugar Composition ◽  
Nectar Sugar ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Female Flowers

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.

scholarly journals Brassinosteriod-induced Femaleness in Cucumber and Relationship to Ethylene Production

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1763-1767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaterina Papadopoulou ◽  
Rebecca Grumet
Keyword(s):  
Ethylene Production ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Sex Expression ◽  
Bisexual Flower ◽  
Flower Production ◽  
Total Female ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Cucurbitaceae Family

The Cucurbitaceae family is noted for a diversity of sex expression phenotypes. Typically, a phase of male flowers precedes either female or bisexual flower production. Sex determination of individual flowers is regulated by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Ethylene, auxins, and gibberellins have all been shown to influence flower sex expression in cucurbits. Ethylene, which promotes femaleness, plays a predominant role. In this study, we tested whether brassinosteroids (BR), a more recently identified class of plant hormones, also influences cucurbit sex expression. Applied epi-brassinolide (epi-BL) caused a significant decrease in time of appearance of the first female flower on monoecious cucumber plants, and increased total female flowers on the main stem. Increasing concentrations had a stronger effect. Of the three species tested, cucumber, melon and zucchini, cucumber was the most responsive to BR. Application of epi-BL also caused an increase in ethylene production by cucumber and zucchini seedlings, suggesting that the BR effect may be mediated by ethylene. To investigate the possible relationship between BR and ethylene on sex expression, we identified the concentration of ethephon (5 ppm) that caused an increase in ethylene production comparable to that induced by 10 μm epi-BL (approximately two-fold). Treatment with 5 ppm ethephon was sufficient to increase femaleness of cucumber plants, but not zucchini plants, suggesting that the difference in response to epi-BL treatment may reflect differences in sensitivity to ethylene. Collectively, our results indicate that application of brassinosteroids to cucumber cause earlier and increased female flower production, and that the effects may be mediated, at least in part, by brassinosteroid-induced production of ethylene.

Biology of Australian seagrasses: Floral development and morphology in Amphibolis (Cymodoceaceae)

1982 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 251 ◽  
Author(s):  
CA McConchie ◽  
SC Ducker ◽  
RB Knox
Keyword(s):  
Floral Development ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Floral Meristem ◽  
Ovary Wall ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Mature Flower ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Lateral Branches ◽  
Floral Vasculature ◽  
Female Flowers

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.

scholarly journals Transcriptome-based analysis of the hormone regulation mechanism of gender differentiation in Juglans mandshurica Maxim

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12328
Author(s):  
Baiting Qin ◽  
Xiujun Lu ◽  
Xiaomei Sun ◽  
Jianguo Cui ◽  
Jifeng Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Regulation Mechanism ◽  
Juglans Mandshurica ◽  
Flower Buds ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Gender Differentiation ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Female Flowers

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.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Volatile Compounds in Flowers of Different Actinidia Species

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1675
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Stasiak ◽  
Piotr Latocha
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Compounds ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Dioecious Plants ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Flower Volatiles ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Pollinating Insects ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Actinidia Spp ◽  
Female Flowers

Among the actinidia genus (Actinidia spp.) native to China, few species are grown commercially for their edible and healthy fruits. As they are dioecious plants, a lot of interest is paid to effective pollination and to insects as the most efficient pollinators. In this study we have concentrated on the composition of volatile compounds in male flowers of four different actinidia species (A. chinensis var. deliciosa, A. arguta, A. kolomikta and A. polygama) and on the diversity between male and female flower volatiles for the two most winter-hardy species (A. arguta and A. kolomikta) with growing commercial value. Analyses were provided using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In total, 120 compounds were found in 15 actinidia genotypes. However, the number of identified compounds varied between species. Different main compounds or groups of volatile compounds characterised flowers of every species. Smaller differences were observed between male and female flowers of the same species. Our results suggest that actinidia flowers could be attractive to pollinating insects.

scholarly journals The Variation Characteristics and Blooming Phenophase of Monoecious Pistacia chinensis Bunge

HortScience ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 961-967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Bai ◽  
Shuchai Su ◽  
Zhu Lin ◽  
Pingsheng Leng ◽  
Wenhao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Northern China ◽  
Bisexual Flower ◽  
Text Data ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Variation Characteristics ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Different Strains ◽  
Inflorescence Length ◽  
Gender Type

Pistacia chinensis Bunge is a pioneer tree for afforestation, and of high value as an ornament and for timber and medicine. It has also become the preferred biofuel tree in northern China in current years, with a broader development prospect. However, this development is seriously limited due to its dioecious character (separate sexes), because the male (nonfruit) trees are indispensable for pollination, and this leads to a waste of field and low yields. Fortunately, this bottleneck can be broken with the emergence of rare monoecious (having both female and male flowers, and even bisexual flowers) resources in Hebei Province, China. To determine their cultivation characteristics, the variation characteristics and blooming phenophase of local Pistacia were recorded with text, data, and images, by germplasm resources survey, telephone interviews, and field visits. Results showed that 1) 23 monoecious Pistacia were found, with very complex morphological features. 2) The branches of different gender types, ordered by inflorescence length were female > female on monoecious trees > bisexual flowers > inflorescence with male and female > male on monoecious trees > male. Ordered by inflorescence width: female > bisexual flower > female on monoecious trees > inflorescence with male and female > male on monoecious trees > male. Among these, the inflorescence length, inflorescence width, floret diameter, and floret spacing of bisexual flowers were significantly greater than that of male flowers, providing a basis to judge gender type without destructive sampling. 3) Gender types were unstable in successive years—female, male, mixed, or bisexual flowers could convert to another gender within 1 year, except that no female became male, and the overall trend was from male to mixed or bisexual gender in recent years. 4) The blooming phenophase changed a lot among different strains and sex types, which could enlarge the blooming period.

scholarly journals Pseudanthium development in Calycopeplus paucifolius, with particular reference to the evolution of the cyathium in Euphorbieae (Euphorbiaceae - Malpighiales)

2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Prenner ◽  
Stephen D. Hopper ◽  
Paula J. Rudall
Keyword(s):  
Female Flower ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Early Formation ◽  
Key Innovation ◽  
Molecular Phylogenies ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Developmental Analysis ◽  
Female Flowers

The morphology and development of flowers and pseudanthia of Calycopeplus paucifolius are described in detail in the context of recent molecular phylogenies of the tribe Euphorbieae and a recent comparative developmental analysis of other taxa within this tribe. Calycopeplus resembles subtribes Neoguillauminiinae and Anthosteminae in some respects (dichasial formation of male flowers within male partial inflorescences, late formation of a constriction in male and female flowers and early formation of a female perianth), but resembles Dichostemma (subtribe Anthosteminae) in possessing only four male partial inflorescences. Calycopeplus and all other Euphorbieae possess only three carpels, except Dichostemma, which has four carpels per female flower. The studied species differs from the closely related Neoguillauminia cleopatra (subtribe Neoguillauminiinae) in that only four nectaries are formed, situated on the rim of the cuplike involucre (in Neoguillauminia 8–10 nectaries arise directly from the base of the pseudanthium). In contrast to all other studied Euphorbieae with trimerous gynoecia, the unpaired carpel of C. paucifolius is oriented in an upper/adaxial position (it lies in the lower/abaxial position in all other studied taxa). On the basis of these results we discuss possible pathways of cyathium evolution and the role of the cyathium as a possible key innovation within Euphorbieae. ‘Calycopeplus is as perfect an example of a connecting link as a morphologist may wish for.’ (Croizat 1937, p. 404)

scholarly journals Unisexual flower initiation in the monoecious Quercus suber L., a molecular approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rómulo Sobral ◽  
Helena Gomes Silva ◽  
Sara Laranjeira ◽  
Joana Magalhães ◽  
Luís Andrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Female Flower ◽  
Quercus Suber ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Cork Oak ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Temporal Separation ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Female Flowers

AbstractSeveral plant species display a temporal separation of the male and female flower organ development to enhance outbreeding, however, little is known regarding the genetic mechanisms controlling this temporal separation. Quercus suber is a monoecious oak tree with accentuated protandry: in late winter, unisexual male flowers emerge adjacent to the swollen buds, whereas unisexual female flowers emerge in the axils of newly formed leaves formed during spring (4 to 8 weeks after male flowering). Here, phylogenetic profiling lead to the identification of cork oak homologs of key floral regulatory genes. The role of these cork oak homologs during flower development was identified with functional studies in Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression profile of flower regulators (inducers and repressors) throughout the year, in leaves and buds, suggests that the development of male and female flowers may be preceded by separated induction events. Female flowers are most likely induced during the vegetative flush occurring in spring, whereas male flowers may be induced in early summer, staying enclosed within the pre-dormant buds, but complete their development before the vegetative flush of the following year, displaying a long period of anthesis that spans the dormant period. Results portray a genetic mechanism that may explain similar reproductive habits in other tree species.

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