Structure of floral nectaries in Aesculus hippocastanum L.

Representatives of the family Sapindaceae exhibit high morphological diversity of the nectary structure. The present paper shows for the first time the results of micromorphological, anatomical, and ultrastructural analyses of floral nectaries in Aesculus hippocastanum. We have also described the forage and signal attractants of these flowers, which are important for the ecology of pollination. Using light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy, we demonstrated that the A. hippocastanum nectary forming a lobed disc is histologically differentiated into the epidermis with stomata, nectariferous parenchyma, subglandular parenchyma, and vascular bundles reaching the basal part of the nectariferous parenchyma. The use of histochemical assays revealed the presence of insoluble polysaccharides, lipids, terpenoids, and polyphenols including coumarins in the nectary tissues. Nectar is exuded onto the nectary surface via stomata and the permeable cuticle. As indicated by the observation of the ultrastructure of the nectary cells, transport of pre-nectar into parenchymal cells may proceed via the symplast and apoplast. We have also demonstrated that nectar transfer outside the protoplasts of parenchymal cells has a character of granulocrine secretion. A. hippocastanum flowers produce nectar abundantly; one flower secreted on average 2.64 mg of nectar and the concentration of sugars in the nectar was 33%

Flowering biology and structure of floral nectaries in Galanthus nivalis L.

In Poland Galanthus nivalis L. is partially protected. The flowers of this species are one of the first sources of nectar and pollen for insects from February to April. The aim of this study was to present the flowering biology as well as the topography, anatomical, and ultrastructural features of the floral nectary. The flower lifespan, the breeding system, and the mass of pollen and nectar produced by the flowers were determined. Examination of the nectary structure was performed using light, fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The flower of G. nivalis lives for about 30 days. The stamens and pistils mature simultaneously and during this time nectar is secreted. The anthers of one flower produced the large amount of pollen (4 mg). The breeding system of G. nivalis was found to be characterized by partial self-compatibility, outcrossing, and xenogamy. The nectary is located at the top of the inferior ovary. The nectary epidermal cells are characterized by striated cuticular ornamentation. Initially, the secreted nectar formed vesicle-like protuberances under the cuticle. The epidermal and parenchymal cells contain numerous plastids, mitochondria, dictyosomes, ER cisterns, and vesicles fused with the plasmalemma, which indicates granulocrine nectar secretion

The structure of some floral elements and the nectar production rate of Polemonium caeruleum L.

The present study, carried out in the period 2008 - 2009, covered some morphological and anatomical features of the flowers of Polemonium caeruleum L. and their nectar production rate in the climatic conditions of the Lublin region. Observations were made with stereoscopic, light and scanning electron microscopy. Nectar production in the flowers was determined using the pipette method. The flowers of Polemonium caeruleum develop a calyx covered by an epidermis with numerous non-glandular and glandular trichomes. The secretory trichomes are composed of a several-celled stalk and a four-celled head. At the boundary of the corolla tube and the lobes, there is white colouration with violet nectar guides. The epidermis in this region produces several-celled living trichomes that close the entry into the corolla tube, thereby protecting the nectar accumulated in it. These hairs are at the same time glistening colour attractants for insects. The tripartite stigma of the pistil is covered, from the adaxial side, by unicellular papillae with striated cuticular ornamentation, growing at high density. Around the ovary there is located a nectariferous disc, in the form of a free projection, which secrets nectar with sugar concentration of 29 - 52% and sugar weight ranging 1.1 - 1.8 mg/flower

Nutritive for insects attractantsin Asphodelus albus Miller flowers

The studies on Asphodelus albus Miller flowers were conducted in the Botanical Garden of the UMCS in Lublin in the years 2004-2005. The flower nectaries location was determined in a stereoscopic microscope. The nectaring abundance was studied with a pipette method described by Jabłoński and Szklanowska (1979), while pollen efficiency determined after Warakomska`s ether method (1972). Pollen viability was computed in a sample of 400 grains after acetocarmine staining. The following measurements of pollen grains were made: the length of polar axis (P), equatorial longitudinal axis (EL) and equatorial transverse axis (ET). In Asphodelus albus flowers, there are three nectary glands located in the ovary septa whose outlets are situated in the upper part of the ovary. The nectar secretion starts in a dehiscing bud and persists until the withering stage of perianth leaves. Considering the size of monocolpate pollen grains of Asphodelus albus, they are ranked among great, whereas their shape assumed flattened and circular at the polar view. In the Poland climatic conditions, a pollen showed high vitality (98%). The Asphodelus albus plants constitute a valuable source of nutrition for the pollinators as a single flower generated on average 4,22 mg sugars and 0,2 mg of pollen grains

Micromorphology and histochemical traits of staminal osmophores in Asphodelus aestivus Brot. flower

The conducted studies pertained to micromorphology of the surface of epidermis cells and histological traits of staminal filaments of Asphodelus aestivus Brot. flowers. The structure of the filaments was analyzed in a light microscope (LM) using various histochemical techniques. The morphology of the surface of the epidermis of filaments was observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM). Filaments Asphodelus aestivus accrete together with the basal part of the abaxial surface with the leaves of perianth. Their lower, wider, and flattened part surrounds the ovary. The epidermis of the staminal osmophores creates papilliose cells and unicellular hairs of various sizes. In the uppermost part of these structures, round marks in the cuticle layer after the emission of discharge were observed with the SEM. The outside, convex wall of the isodiametric cells of the epidermis, papillae and hairs was significantly thicker from the remaining walls. It was covered with cuticle of different ornamentation. The cells that created papillae and hairs had a large, centrally located vacuole and a thin layer of cytoplasm with numerous small vacuoles as well as large, often lobed nuclei. In the protoplasts of these cells the presence of plastids and lipid droplets was noted. During the time of secretion of elicitor between the wall and cuticle of the epidermis cells, convex bubbles were formed, in which the secreted substance was accumulated. At the end of secretion, on the surface of papillae, hairs and other cells of the epidermis, irregularly protruding cuticle was observed. It was noted that the composition of staminal osmophores in the flowers of Asphodelus aestivus includes papillae, hairs and cells of the epidermis that do not form papillae

Protein hydrolysate as a component of salinized soil in the cultivation of Ageratum houstonianum Mill. (Asteraceae)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility of using a protein hydrolysate, Hemozym N-K 4.5-6, as a component of salinized soil in the cultivation of flossflower (Ageratum houstonianum Mill., Asteraceae). The experiment was focused on the yield and decorative value of A. houstonianum, grown under different concentrations of NaCl and/or Hemozym. Ageratum houstonianum plants were grown in the soil under different NaCl salinity (EC: 0.28 – as control or 3.25 dS m−1 – salt stress) or/and Hemozym dose (0, 0.07 or 0.14 ml kg−1). The results of the experiment imply that A. houstonianum is sensitive to salinity. The application of Hemozym to both unsalinized and salinized soils caused an increase in the yield of the plant organs (roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescence), the number of leaves, and the chlorophyll content without significant changes in the carotenoids. Moreover, an increase in the number and size of first-order inflorescences (heads) as well as more intensive flower color were observed. Thus, it can be stated that the protein hydrolysate studied can be a beneficial component of both salinized and unsalinized soils in the cultivation of A. houstonianum