Seed Ontogeny and Nonstructural Carbohydrates of Cycas micronesica Megagametophyte Tissue
The profile of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) was quantified to determine sugar and starch relationships of megagametophyte tissue during Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill seed ontogeny. Field work occurred in northern Guam where megastrobili were marked and dated as they emerged from stem apices of plants in a natural population. Seeds were harvested beginning 6 months after megastrobili emergence and continuing until 28 months, and gametophyte tissue was separated from the remainder of each seed. Carbohydrates within lyophilized gametophyte tissue were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The levels of glucose and fructose declined from a high at 6 months to a homeostasis at 11 months, and the levels of sucrose similarly declined from 6 months to a homeostasis at ≈14 months. Starch content exceeded sugar content and increased from 6 months to reach a homeostasis at ≈18 months. Maltose was not detected in any sample. Stoichiometric quotients changed dramatically until ≈14 months, when they became fairly stable until 28 months. Starch concentration was ≈5-fold greater than sugar concentration at 6 months, and increased to ≈15-fold greater than sugar concentration by 28 months. Total NSC in mature megagametophytes was almost 70% on a dry weight basis. Our results are in agreement with the biological function of this haploid tissue, as copious carbohydrate resources are readily available to support embryo and seedling growth.