Development of Female Gametophyte in Gladiolus italicus Miller (Iridaceae)

In this study gynoecium, megasporogenesis, megagametogenesis and female gametophyte of Gladiolus italicus Miller were examined cytologically and histologically by using light microscopy techniques. Ovules of G. italicus are of anatropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate type. Embryo sac development is of monosporic Polygonum type. Polar nuclei fuse before fertilization to form a secondary nucleus near the antipodals. The female gametophyte development of G. italicus was investigated for the first time with this study.

Ovule development, megasporogenesis, and megagametogenesis of Fouquieria fasciculata (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.) Nash (Fouquieriaceae)

Background: Fouquieriaceae is a small family that consists of a single genus, Fouquieria, with eleven species occurring mostly in arid and semiarid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. The development of the ovule and the female gametophyte has been poorly characterized in species of the family; thus, it is proposed to carry out a detailed study on the development of the ovule, megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in Fouquieria fasciculata. Questions: How are the developmental patterns of the ovule and the female gametophyte in Fouquieria fasciculata? Study species: Fouquieria fasciculata (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.) Nash (Fouquieriaceae). Methods: Embryology, morphology and histochemical tests of floral buds and flowers at pre-anthesis of Fouquieria fasciculata were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The ovules of Fouquieria fasciculata are anatropous, bitegmic and tenuinucellate, and the micropyle is formed by the inner integument. The innermost layer cells of the inner integument form an integumentary tapetum or endothelium. The cells of integumentary tapetum are characterized by very conspicuous wall thickenings on the inner tangential side, and are radially elongated surrounding the nucellus. The pattern of development of the female gametophyte is monosporic Polygonum-type, and the formation of a lateral haustorium was observed. Conclusions: This investigation describes in detail the development of the ovule and the female gametophyte ofFouquieria fasciculata. Our results show interesting features, such as the differentiation of an integumentary tapetum, a monosporic Polygonum-type pattern of development and the formation of lateral haustorial arm in the female gametophyte.

Genesis of the generative structures Platycodon grandiflorus (family Сampanulaceae)

The article presents the research results of the genesis of the elements of the microsporangium wall, sporogenous tissue, microspores, megaspores, male and female gametophytes of the Platycodon grandiflorus . The types of formation of the structures mail generative sphere (dicotyledonous type of microsporangium wall formation, simultaneous type of the tetrad microspores development, 3-cells of the pollen grains with 6-th pores, Polygonum - type of the formation embryo sac) have been established. A high viability of pollen grains was established during pollination and possibility of obtaining complete seeds when growing this species in the conditions of the Southern Coast of the Crimea.

The formation of integuments, megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in Dendrobium catenatum, with special discussions on embryo sac types and section techniques

The formation of integuments, megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in Dendrobium catenatum, an economically important orchid, are observed. After pollination, mitotic cell divisions of the placental epidermis result in the formation of a branching system of outgrowths. The tip of each branch consists of an archesporial cell derived from the differentiation of the terminal subepidermal nucellar cell. It differentiates directly into a megasporocyte. The first division of the meiosis of the megasporocyte produces a dyad approximately equal in size, in which the micropylar cell promptly degenerates. The second meiotic division of the remaining dyad cell results in the formation of two megaspores of unequal size. The larger chalazal cell becomes functional and eventually develops into a mature megagametophyte. The development of the megagametophyte conforms to the Monosporic Polygonum type. The final arrangement of the mature embryo sac conforms to a sevencelled/ eight-nucleate structure. The mature ovule is bitegmic, tenuinucellate and has an anatropous orientation. In the present study, we also discuss the differences between three main types of embryo sac development and the improvement of section techniques.

Embryology and fertility of the natural tetraploid Lessingianthus plantaginoides (Asteraceae, Vernonieae): taxonomic implications

Lessingianthus plantaginoides (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) is a small natural tetraploid shrub that inhabits rocky highlands from South America. The population studied inhabits and covers an extensive region of a private reserve with high local biodiversity and animal and plant endemisms. With the purpose of providing insights into the cyto-embryology of this tetraploid species, the aims of this study were: to perform an ontogenetic study of the male and female gametophytes of L. plantaginoides; to carry out detailed meiotic analysis and evaluate the fertility of this species; to document and provide highlights on taxonomic implications of their reproductive aspects. Lessingianthus plantaginoides presented the following male and female gametophyte traits: dicotyledonous type of anther wall development, tetrahedral tetrads, 3-celled mature pollen grains; development of the chalazal megaspore, monosporic embryo sac and Polygonum type of megagametophyte development. The meiotic behavior was regular, the spores were tetrads of equal size and the pollen grains were highly stainable. Lessingianthus plantaginoides is a highly diplodized autotetraploid that reproduces sexually and has high meiotic regularity; which is apparently responsible for its colonization potential. It now seems certain that polyploid speciation plays a significant role in the establishment and diversification of the genus.

Some features of biology of the species genus Crocus (family Iridaceae)

The article presents the research results of the genesis of biology of Crocus angustifolius and Crocus speciosus . Some aspects of formation of the male and female gametophytes, pollination and seeds formation have been presented. The wall of microsporangium develops centripetally as monocotyledonous and formed consists of the epidermis, endothecium, 2-3 middle layers and secretory tapetum. A tetrad of microspores is formed simultaneously. Mature pollen grains are 2-cell. The ovary is three-celled, the ovary is anatropic, crassinucellous, bitegmal, funiculous. Polygonum-type embryo sac. Pedestal, podium and hypostasis are formed. Both species are entomophilous plants. The fruit is a multi-seeded three-nest box. Both species propagated by seeds and vegetatively using corms.

Endosperm of Angiosperms and Genomic Imprinting

Modern ideas about the role of epigenetic systems in the regulation of gene expression allow us to understand the mechanisms of vital activities in plants, such as genomic imprinting. It is important that genomic imprinting is known first and foremost for the endosperm, which not only provides an embryo with necessary nutrients, but also plays a special biological role in the formation of seeds and fruits. Available data on genomic imprinting in the endosperm have been obtained only for the triploid endosperm in model plants, which develops after double fertilization in a Polygonum-type embryo sac, the most common type among angiosperms. Here we provide a brief overview of a wide diversity of embryo sacs and endosperm types and ploidy levels, as well as their distribution in the angiosperm families, positioned according to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV (APG IV) phylogenetic classification. Addition of the new, non-model taxa to study gene imprinting in seed development will extend our knowledge about the epigenetic mechanisms underlying angiosperm fertility.

Comprehensive characteristics and genetic diversity of the endemic Australian Viola banksii (section Erpetion, Violaceae)

Viola banksii, the type species of section Erpetion, is endemic in eastern mainland Australia. In this paper we characterise morphological and anatomical features and assess genome size and genetic diversity in combination with the breeding system. V. banksii develops exclusively chasmogamous flowers. Ovules are anatropous, crassinucellate and bitegmic, the female gametophyte is of the Polygonum type, and the embryo is of Asterad type surrounded by nuclear endosperm. Pollen is non-heteromorphic, 3-aperturate, and highly viable. V. banksii grows in shade on moist, well drained, often sandy soils, and this is reflected in the anatomy of its organs, which includes a lack of subepidermal collenchyma in aerial parts, large leaf epidermal cells with thin cell walls, a narrow cuticle layer, and vascular bundles with xylem that are not rich in vessels. V. banksii is tolerant to zinc and lead based on phytotoxicity test. The high chromosome number (2n = 10x = 50) does not correspond to a small genome size (2C DNA = 1.27 pg). Low mean intra-populational gene diversity (HS = 0.077) detected by ISSR markers confirms the strong influence of selfing and clonal propagation by pseudostolons. Unique morphological traits of V. banksii include nyctinastic petal movement, the lack of a floral spur, the presence of gland-like protuberances on two stamens, and the presence of pseudostolons, which could be a synapomorphy for the whole section.

Embryology of Polygonatum (Asparagaceae) and its systematic significance

In this study, we systematically studied the microsporogenesis, megasporogenesis, as well as development of male and female gametophyte of Polygonatum macropodum and P. sibiricum using the conventional paraffin sectioning technique. Our results showed that 1) microsporocytes cytokinesis is of the successive type; 2) microspore tetrads are tetragonal or tetrahedral; 3) mature pollen grains are two-celled or three-celled; 4) ovary is superior and trilocular, with axile placentas bearing 4–6 anatropous per locule; 5) ovules are anatropous, crassinucellate and bitegmic, with micropyle formed by the inner integument; 6) megaspore tetrads are linear or T-shaped; 7) embryo sac development is typically of Polygonum-type. The embryological features of Polygonatum support its inclusion of Asparagaceae in Asparagales.

Desarrollo del gametofito femenino de Tagetes patula (Asteraceae)

The genus Tagetes reproduces sexually by seed, but recent morphological and hybridization studies in Tagetes patula suggest an apomictic type of reproduction (seed development without fertilization). In order to determine the sexual or apomictic origen of the embryo, we have studied megasporogenesis, megagametogenesis and the early development of the embryo. Tagetes patula L. has a typical ovule for the family Asteraceae: anatropous, unitegmic, tenuinucellate and with basal placentation. A single hypodermal archesporial cell develops directly as the megaspore mother cell. Megaspogenesis is normal and embryo sac develops from the chalazal megaspore. The embryo sac is of the Polygonum type. Female ray flowers show irregularities in megagametophyte development such as formation of more than eight nuclei, inverted polarity and incomplete differentiation of the megagametophyte cells in mature flowers. These irregularities do not necessarily prove apomictic reproduction in Tagetes patula.