Pollen Ontogeny in Catananche caerulea L. (Compositae: Lactuceae) I. Premeiotic Phase to Establishment of Tetrads

The SEM has been used to observe microsporogenesis in Catananchecaerulea (Compositae: Lactuceae) from the time of mother cellformation to the early tetrad stage. The three main ontogeneticfeatures discussed are: intercellular cytoplasmic connectionsbetween meiocytes, the deposition of the callose special cellwall and changes in cytoplasmic organelles that are associatedwith the cycle of ribosome elimination occurring during thetransition to the gametophyte generation. The results are comparedwith other flowering plants and with members of tribe Lactuceaethat have morphologically different mature pollen grains. Catananche caerulea, Compositae: Lactuceae, meiosis, microsporogenesis, ontogeny, scanning electron microscopy, special cell wall     

Preliminary observations on the formation of the male germ unit inCatananche caerulea L. (Compositae: Lactuceae)

Summary We have used the freeze fracture and cytoplasmic maceration technique to study microsporogenesis inCatananche caerulea L. and here we present preliminary observations of the male germ unit (MGU)in situ. The technique has the advantage of enabling the complex structure of the MGU to be seen in a single fracture plane whereas previously this was only possible by the reconstruction of transmission electron micrographs of serial thin sections. The arrangement of the two generative cells and the vegetative nucleus closely resembles that described from other species includingPlumbago zeylanica.     

Embryonic, Larval and Postlarval Development of the Tropical Clam, Anomalocardia Brasiliana (Bivalvia, Veneridae)

Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791) is a venerid clam, distributed fromthe West Indies to Brazil, which lives shallowly burrowed inmuddy sands of mangrove lagoons in Guadeloupe. Development frominduced spawning to metamorphosed juveniles is described byusing light and scanning electron microscopy. The shell-fieldappears at the gastrula stage, 6 h after fertilization, andrapid embryonic development results in straight-hinge veligers, 18h after fertilization. These swimming veligers develop to swimming-crawlingpediveligers, then to benthic plantigrades with functional elongatedgill filaments without interruption in 15 days. The transitionalarched structures observed at the end of the pediveliger stagewere called `ctenidial crypts' to distinguish them from functionalgill filaments which exist only in metamorphosed juveniles.Metamorphosis, which occurs without a special environmental cue,is completed with the differentiation of the siphons in 300µmjuveniles. Thus, there is no delay of metamorphosis in thisspecies whereas a developmental hiatus has been described in mostplanktotrophic bivalves. Juveniles, 1 mm in shell-length withthe triangular shape, pointed posterior end and brown zig-zagstripes on the shell, typical of A. brasiliana have been obtained7 weeks after fertilization. However, a large variability ofindividual sizes and developmental stages within the same batchesmay indicate a high genetic variability. (Received 11 December 1997; accepted 30 April 1998)     

Epidermal Structure in the Ligule of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The structure of the abaxial epidermis of the ligule of rice(Oryza sativa L.) as seen in the light and scanning electronmicroscope is described. Long cells, silica cells, cork cells,prickle hairs, microhairs and stomata-like structures were found.Reasons for considering these latter structures to be true stomataare given. Results of an X-ray analysis for silicon are presentedand the distribution of silica discussed in relation to itsfunctional role in the ligule. Oryza sativa L, rice, Gramineae, ligule, epidermis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray analysis, silica, stomata     

Reproductive Development of the Apex of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf

The development of Brachiaria decumbens tillers, as based onapex morphology, may be conveniently divided into six phases.These are the (1) vegetative, (2) raceme initiation, (3) spikeletinitiation, (4) spikelet differentiation, (5) inflorescenceexsertion and anthesis, and (6) seed maturation phases. Theonset of reproductive development is characterized by an increasein apex length and proceeds with the expansion of a bud in theaxil of the most recently initiated leaf primordium. This budgives rise to the first raceme and further racemes are formedin basipetal succession. Changes in apex morphology during thefirst four phases of development are described and illustratedwith scanning electron microscope and median longitudinal sectionphotomicrographs. Brachiaria decumbens, signal grass, apex morphology, SEM, median longitudinal sections, developmental phases     

The Genus Hantzschia with Particular Reference to H. virgata v. intermedia (Grun.) comb. nov.

The diatom genus Hantzschia and its closely associated generaare discussed briefly. From a study of one variety of Hantzschiavirgata by light and scanning electron microscopy the morphologyof the siliceous components has been determined. The new combinationH. virgata v. intermedia has been proposed. The possible originof Hantzschia from Nitzschia by a displacement of the raphesystem at cell division is discussed.     

Regeneration of the Root Cap of Zea mays L. and Pisum sativum L.: A Study with the Scanning Electron Microscope

Removal of the root cap from a root apex initiates regenerationof a new cap. The process has been followed using scanning electronmicroscopy. Quantitative data have been obtained for the growthin area of the exposed acroscopic surface of the quiescent centre(QC) and the increase in volume of the regenerating cap tissue.In Zea the surface of the QC shows an initial rapid increasein area followed by a slower increase. In Pisum the surfacearea increases uniformly, a rapid initial phase being absent.Together with observations on the behaviour of an incision atthe exposed surface, the results indicate that in Zea the capnormally imposes a constraint upon radial growth at the acroscopicsurface of the QC; in Pisum the QC appears not to be so constrained.The different responses may be related to the different arrangementsof cells at the apex of the meristem of these two species. Zea mays, Pisum sativum, maize, peao, scanning electron microscopy, root apex, regeneration     

Morphology, Anatomy and Ontogeny of Female Cones in Acmopyle pancheri(Brongn. & Gris) Pilg. (Podocarpaceae)

The developmental morphology and anatomy of the female conesof Acmopyle pancheri(Brongn. & Gris) Pilg. (Podocarpaceae)are described and illustrated, based on observations, histology,scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) imaging. Ovulate development is typically podocarpaceous.Ovules are unitegmic, and horizontal or inclined upwards throughoutontogeny; the pollination drop is inverted because of the declinatemicropyle. Ontogeny of the epimatium-ovule complex is acropetal,the epimatium developing first. A terminal, distal sterile bractcreates a pollen-scavenging area. During development, the wholecone re-orientates through some 270°, and the seed realignsapprox. 60° with respect to the receptacle axis. The ‘receptacle’or podocarpium supporting the seed is formed by gradual fusionof initially free bracts. The structures adnate to these bractsrepresent homologues of ovuliferous scales; they bear vestigialepimatia which may develop into supernumerary ovules or non-functionalepimatia. Thus, female cones ofA. pancheri are vestigially multi-ovulate.NMR imaging effectively and non-invasively revealed the three-dimensionalarrangement of vascular bundles and resin canals in the cones.Copyright 2001 Annals of Botany Company Acmopyle pancheri(Brongn. & Gris) Pilg., anatomy, developmental morphology, gymnosperms, histology, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, ontogeny, ovules, Podocarpaceae, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), seed cones     

The use of a multidisciplinary approach for the characterization of a diploid parthenogenetic Artemia population from Torre Colimena (Apulia, Italy)

A parthenogenetic Artemia population from Torre Colimena, southernItaly, originally reported in 1998, is characterized by a multidisciplinaryapproach including cyst and naupliar biometry, morphometry ofadults, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of brood pouch, cytogeneticsand 16S rRNA PCR-RFLP analysis. We confirmed parthenogeneticstatus, inferred ploidy level and determined phenotypic andmolecular relationships of this population through comparisonswith other asexual Artemia strains as well as bisexual speciesfound (A. salina) or introduced (A. franciscana) in the Mediterraneanbasin. Cyst and naupliar sizes for Torre Colimena are amongthe smallest recorded for asexual Artemia while the oppositeis true for chorion thickness. Discriminant analysis of adultbody measurements shows increased differentiation (89.5% forthe first four out of the twelve functions produced) from tetraploidparthenogenetic strains and bisexual species (A. salina andA. franciscana). Scanning electron micrographs of brood pouchreveal the characteristic morphology of asexual strains, whilechromosome observations of instar-I nauplii unequivocally establishdiploidy. Restriction patterns give evidence that the TorreColimena population shares an identical set of mitochondrialDNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms with a diploid Spanish parthenogeneticstrain and it is well differentiated from other tetraploid aswell as bisexual auto- and allochthonous strains (A. salinaand A. franciscana) from the Mediterranean. The present studymay serve as a reference methodological framework for multidisciplinarycharacterizations and biodiversity assessments in the genusArtemia.     

Morphological and Anatomical Studies of Linaria Species from South-west Spain: Seeds

Seeds of 24 taxa of Linaria from south-west Spain were examinedwith a scanning electron microscope and light microscope. Basedon seed features such as shape, surface ornamentation and cellshape, seven morphological types were recognized. Seeds of thedifferent types are described, illustrated and compared. A keyto distinguish the different species or groups of species isprovided. Copyright 1999 Annals of Botany Company Seed-coat, SEM, anatomy, Scrophulariaceae, Antirrhineae, Linaria .     

Graft Formation in Sitka Spruce: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study

Low-temperature and conventional scanning electron microscopyhave been used to examine the callus formed at the graft interfacein Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. Callus cells are producedby both cambium and ray parenchyma dedifferentiation and redifferentiationin scion and stock. Adhesion between the cells derived fromscion and rootstock is thought to be my means of pectinaceousbeads at the surface of the callus cells, preceding a more generalfusion of cell walls. The cambia of the two graft componentsare prevented from growing towards each other by the presenceof callus. Instead, the differentiation of new cambium withinthe callus, in the vicinity of the cambia exposed at the preparedsurfaces of the scion and rootstock, links them to form a continuouscambial layer around the combined stem. Callus, cambium, differentiation, grafting, Picea sitchensis     

The development of the grape berry cuticle in relation to susceptibility to bunch rot disease

Some physical and morphological factors of grape berry cuticlewere investigated at different developmental stages of threeclones ofVitis vinifera cv. Pinot noir. The surface morphologyof grape berries was examined by scanning electron microscopyand cuticle anatomy was examined by light and transmission electronmicroscopy. During the period from flowering to maturity, thecomposition of the cuticular waxes changed, corresponding withan increase of waxy deposits and significant modifications ofthe wax surface morphology. The content in cutin per unit surfacedecreased more than 2.5-fold between berry set (16 d after anthesis)and veraison of the grape berries, and might predispose thegrape berry to fungal infection. This result was correlatedwith the differentiation of the cuticle layers and particularlywith a decrease in the thickness of the primary cuticle at harvest. Key words: Botrytis cinerea, cuticle, cutin, epicuticular waxes, Vitis vinifera L     

Stomata on the Primary Root of Pisum sativum L.

The first record of stomata on a non-specialized root was obtainedby scanning electron microscopy of 4-d-old Pisum sativum L.In some cases subsidiary cells were trichoblasts. Stomata andthe root triarch vascular structure were simultaneously presentin transverse sections through the root. Pisum sativum, pea, root stomata, guard cells, trichoblasts     

Silicon Deposition in the Inflorescence Bristles and Macrohairs of Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.

Silicon deposits in the inflorescence bristles subtending eachspikelet, and in the macrohairs of foxtail millet (Setaria italica(L.) Beauv.) were investigated using scanning electron microscopyand electron-probe microanalysis. High concentrations of silicon were detected in the pricklehairs which covered the bristles. In the unicellular macrohairscovering the inflorescence axis and its branches, silicon wasdeposited along the whole length of the hairs. The mechanisms by which silicification may have taken place,and the possibility that the bristles and macrohairs are involvedin the aetiology of oesophageal cancer in N. China are discussed. Setaria italica (L.) Beauv., foxtail millet, millet, silicon deposits, silicification, prickle hairs, scanning electron microscopy, electron-probe microanalysis     

Microsporogenesis Abortion in Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Plants from H. petiolaris or H. petiolaris fallax Crossed by Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

The microsporogenesis of two sunflower lines carrying two differentcytoplasmic male sterilities (CMS) from H. petiolaris (PL) andfrom H. petiolaris fallax (PF) has been studied and comparedto the normal process in male fertile lines. The first signsof abortion are, respectively, the vacuolation of the endoplasmicreticulum in PL during the first division of meiosis and theabnormal deposition of the endexine layer in PF during the vacuolationof the microspore. The genotype of the male line seems to modulate the stage ofpollen abortion, Furthermore, two ways of abortion have beenobserved for a single male sterile plant. Consequently, we suggestthat the ultrastructural observations reflect only the mainconsequences of a primary unknown event which takes place earlier. Cytoplasmic male-sterility, meiosis, Helianthus annuus L, H. petiolaris Nutt, microsporogenesis, electron microscopy     

Ovule and Embryo Sac Development in Malus pumila L. cv. Cox's Orange Pippin, from Dormancy to Blossom

Ovule and embryo sac development in the flowers of Cox's OrangePippin apple (Malus pumila L.) were studied from dormancy topetal fall using both scanning electron and light microscopy.The relative timing was established between these developmentsand the external development of the flower bud and flower. Malus pumila L. cv. Cox's Orange Pippin, apple, Cox, SEM, ovule development, anatomy, histology     

Ontogenesis of Tannin-containing Coenocytes in Sambucus racemosa L.: III. The Mature Coenocyte

Mature tannin-containing coenocytes as long as the whole internodeare present in Sambucus racemosa, the longest being 32.8 cm.The shape of their nuclei and the structure of their chromatindiffer from those in adjacent parenchyma cells, whilst the cytoplasmalso differs both in electron density and in organelle fine-structure.In the seventh internode there are symptoms of nuclear and cytoplasmicdegeneration and loss of plastid and mitochondrial membranes. Tannin coenocyte, pith, Sambucus racemosa, cell structure, differentiation     

HowStriga Parasitizes its Host: a TEM and SEM Study

The cellular contact betweenStriga hermonthica andStriga asiaticaand their hosts,Zea mays andSorghum bicolor , was investigatedby light, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopy.The xylem connections between parasites and hosts involve veryspecific, clustered intrusions into the host's water conductingelements, predominantly into the large vessel elements. A singlehaustorial cell can penetrate a host vessel element with morethan one intrusion. All intrusions become covered by an additionalelectron-opaque wall layer. During subsequent differentiation,a dissolution of specific wall parts of the cell intrusionsoccurs so that open, cup- or trunk-like structures result. Thevessel-like host contact can comprise up to five openings withina single intrusion. Concomitantly, the intrusions and the haustorialcells to which they belong lose their protoplasts and transforminto elements which take up water. The walls of the haustorialcells and both wall parts of their appendages become stronglylignified. The water and nutrient absorbing structures insertedinto the host vessel are named ‘oscula’. Withinthe whole haustorial complex of bothStriga species no phloemelements were detected. Translocation of substances from hostto parasite are briefly discussed. Striga hermonthica ; Striga asiatica ; haustorial anatomy; xylem contact; osculum     

Enzyme Treatment as an Aid in the Study of Seed Surface Structures of Solanum Species

Enzyme treatment of seeds before scanning electron microscopyrevealed interesting surface features which are valuable taxonomiccharacters. The seed surface of Solanum aethiopicum (scarleteggplant) was similar to that of its wild progenitor, S. anguivi(= S. indicum pp.). Solanum violaceum (= S. indicum pp.) fromIndia was distinct. These results confirm previous taxonomicstudies based on hybridization and seed protein electrophoresis. Solanaceae, Solanum aethiopicum, Solanum indicum, eggplant, taxonomy, scanning electron microscopy/SEM, seed, testa, microstructure     

Homeosis in Araceae Flowers: The Case of Philodendron melinonii

The early stages of development of the inflorescence of Philodendronmelinonii were examined using scanning electron microscopy.Pistillate flowers are initiated on the lower portion of theinflorescence and staminate flowers are initiated on the distalportion. The male flowers have four to five stamens. The femaleflowers have a multilocular ovary consisting of four to sixlocules. A transition zone consisting of sterile male flowersand bisexual flowers with fused or free carpels and staminodesis also present on the inflorescences. This zone is locatedbetween the male and female flower zones. Generally, the portionof the bisexual flower facing the male zone forms stamens, andthe portion facing the female zone develops an incomplete gynoeciumwith few carpels. In P. melinonii, the incomplete separationof staminodes from the gynoecial portion of the whorl showsthat the staminodes and carpels belong to the same whorl. Thebisexual flowers of P. melinonii are believed to be a case ofhomeosis where carpels have been replaced by sterile stamenson the same whorl. At the level of the inflorescence, pistillateand staminate flowers are inserted on the same contact parastichiesalong the inflorescence; there is no discontinuity between thefemale zone, the bisexual zone, and the male zone. The presenceof bisexual flowers is believed to correspond to a morphogeneticgradient at the level of the inflorescence as a whole. Copyright2000 Annals of Botany Company Flower, development, gradient, inflorescence