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12 pages, 3101 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the High Proportion of Males in a Population of the Self-Incompatible Fraxinus platypoda (Oleaceae) Indicative of True Androdioecy or Cryptic-Dioecy?

by Hitoshi Sakio and Takashi Nirei

Plants 2022, 11(6), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060753 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

Androdioecy is a rare reproductive system. Fraxinus platypoda, a woody canopy species in Japan’s mountainous riparian zones, is described as a morphologically androdioecious species. In this study, we tried to detect whether F. platypoda is also functionally androdioecious. We analyzed its sexual [...] Read more.

Androdioecy is a rare reproductive system. Fraxinus platypoda, a woody canopy species in Japan’s mountainous riparian zones, is described as a morphologically androdioecious species. In this study, we tried to detect whether F. platypoda is also functionally androdioecious. We analyzed its sexual expression, seed development, pollen morphology and germination ability, pollination systems, and mast flowering behavior. We found that the hermaphrodite trees are andromonoecious, with inflorescences bearing male and hermaphroditic flowers, whereas male individuals had only male flowers. Pollen morphology was identical in male flowers, in hermaphrodite flowers of an andromonoecious individual, and in male flowers of male individuals. Pollen from both types of individuals was capable of germination both ex vivo (on nutrient medium) and in vivo in pollination experiments. However, compared with pollen from andromonoecious trees, pollen from male trees showed a higher germination rate. The self-pollination rate of bagged hermaphroditic flowers was almost zero. The fruit set rate following cross-pollination with male pollen from a male tree was higher than that following natural pollination, whereas the rate with hermaphroditic pollen was the same. The flowering and fruiting of F. platypoda have fluctuated over 17 years; the flowering of the two types of sexual individuals exhibited clear synchronization during this period. The frequency of male individuals within the populations is 50%. The maintenance of such a proportion of males in populations of the self-incompatible F. platypoda is either indicative of a true androdioecious species with a diallelic self-incompatibility system or a cryptic-dioecious species. This alternative is discussed here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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20 pages, 9911 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studies on Reproductive Development and Breeding Habit of the Commercially Important Bamboo Bambusa tulda Roxb

by Sukanya Chakraborty, Prasun Biswas, Smritikana Dutta, Mridushree Basak, Suman Guha, Uday Chatterjee and Malay Das

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2375; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112375 - 04 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2210

Abstract

Compared to other grasses, flowering in bamboo is quite divergent, yet complex with respect to time to flower, number of individual culms in a population that have been induced at a time (sporadic vs. gregarious), nature of monocarpy, morphology of inflorescences (solitary spikelet [...] Read more.

Compared to other grasses, flowering in bamboo is quite divergent, yet complex with respect to time to flower, number of individual culms in a population that have been induced at a time (sporadic vs. gregarious), nature of monocarpy, morphology of inflorescences (solitary spikelet vs. pseudospikelet), biology of pollen and nature of genetic compatibility. Wide diversity exists even across species and genotypes. However, due to the rarity of flowering and inaccessibility, few studies have been done to systematically analyse diverse aspects of the reproductive behaviour of bamboo. In this study, four recurrently occurring, sporadic flowering populations of Bambusa tulda have been closely observed over the last seven years. Detailed inflorescence and floral morphology and development of reproductive organs have been studied. Pollen viability was assessed by staining and in vitro germination. Self and cross pollination experiments were performed in a plantation site to assess the genetic nature of pollen-pistil interaction. The study identifies interesting reproductive features, that are not common in other grasses. A few important observations include the early appearance of a solitary spikelet vs. late appearance of a pseudospikelet in the flowering cycle, low rate of pollen germination, protandry, self-incompatibility and higher rate of seed setting by the pseudospikelet as compared to the solitary spikelet. The findings will not only be useful to understand the reproductive behaviour of this non-woody timber plant, but will also be useful for forest management and sustainable use of bamboo bioresources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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16 pages, 2780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Reproductive Potential in Primula veris L. (Primulaceae): Embryological Features, Pollen and Seed Viability, Genetic Diversity

by Elina Yankova-Tsvetkova, Petka Yurukova-Grancharova, Ina Aneva and Petar Zhelev

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112296 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2387

Abstract

Primula veris (Primulaceae) is a valuable medicinal plant. The main characteristics for assessing the reproductive potential (embryological features; mode of reproduction; pollen and seed viability) and the genetic diversity of populations of the species from Bulgaria were studied. The anthers are tetrasporangiate. Their [...] Read more.

Primula veris (Primulaceae) is a valuable medicinal plant. The main characteristics for assessing the reproductive potential (embryological features; mode of reproduction; pollen and seed viability) and the genetic diversity of populations of the species from Bulgaria were studied. The anthers are tetrasporangiate. Their wall development follows the Dicotyledonous-type and consists of: epidermis, a fibrous endothecium, an ephemeral middle layer and a secretory (glandular) tapetum. After meiosis in pollen mother cells and simultaneous microsporogenesis tetrahedral tetrads are formed predominantly in the anthers. Many ovules (approximately 20) develop in the unilocular ovary and are anatropous, tenuinucellate and bitegmic. The embryo sac (ES) develops after Polygonum (monosporic)-type from the chalazal cell of linear megaspore tetrad in the ovule. After double fertilization, a Caryophyllad-type embryo and initially nuclear endosperm form. In the studied populations, high pollen viability of more than 95% was established. Extremely low viability (about 4%) of the seeds obtained from natural populations was established. The results reveal P. veris to be a predominantly amphimictic (sexually reproducing) species, although rare vegetative propagation is also observed. As a result of this study, essential data were obtained about the reproductive structures and processes and for assessing the reproductive potential of P. veris. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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17 pages, 3944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of MADS-Box Family Genes in Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) and Their Involvement in Floral Sex Determination

by Hongling Guan, Han Wang, Jianjun Huang, Mingxin Liu, Ting Chen, Xiaozhen Shan, Houbin Chen and Jiyuan Shen

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102142 - 09 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2674

Abstract

Litchi possesses unique flower morphology and adaptive reproduction strategies. Although previous attention has been intensively devoted to the mechanisms underlying its floral induction, the molecular basis of flower sex determination remains largely unknown. MADS-box genes are promising candidates for this due to their [...] Read more.

Litchi possesses unique flower morphology and adaptive reproduction strategies. Although previous attention has been intensively devoted to the mechanisms underlying its floral induction, the molecular basis of flower sex determination remains largely unknown. MADS-box genes are promising candidates for this due to their significant roles in various aspects of inflorescence and flower organogenesis. Here, we present a detailed overview of phylogeny and expression profiles of 101 MADS-box genes that were identified in litchi. These LcMADSs are unevenly located across the 15 chromosomes and can be divided into type I and type II genes. Fifty type I MADS-box genes are subdivided into Mα, Mβ and Mγ subgroups, while fifty-one type II LcMADSs consist of 37 MIKC^C -type and 14 MIKC *-type genes. Promoters of both types of LcMADS genes contain mainly ABA and MeJA response elements. Tissue-specific and development-related expression analysis reveal that LcMADS51 could be positively involved in litchi carpel formation, while six MADS-box genes, including LcMADS42/46/47/75/93/100, play a possible role in stamen development. GA is positively involved in the sex determination of litchi flowers by regulating the expression of LcMADS51 (LcSTK). However, JA down-regulates the expression of floral organ identity genes, suggesting a negative role in litchi flower development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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15 pages, 2271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptional Controls for Early Bolting and Flowering in Angelica sinensis

by Mengfei Li, Jie Li, Jianhe Wei and Paul W. Paré

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1931; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091931 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2069

Abstract

The root of the perennial herb Angelica sinensis is a widely used source for traditional Chinese medicines. While the plant thrives in cool-moist regions of western China, early bolting and flowering (EBF) for young plants significantly reduces root quality and yield. Approaches to [...] Read more.

The root of the perennial herb Angelica sinensis is a widely used source for traditional Chinese medicines. While the plant thrives in cool-moist regions of western China, early bolting and flowering (EBF) for young plants significantly reduces root quality and yield. Approaches to inhibit EBF by changes in physiology during the vernalization process have been investigated; however, the mechanism for activating EBF is still limited. Here, transcript profiles for bolted and unbolted plants (BP and UBP, respectively) were compared by transcriptomic analysis, expression levels of candidate genes were validated by qRT-PCR, and the accumulations of gibberellins (GA₁, GA₄, GA₈, GA₉ and GA₂₀) were also monitored by HPLC-MS/MS. A total of over 72,000 unigenes were detected with ca. 2600 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed in the BP compared with UBP. While various signaling pathways participate in flower induction, it is genes associated with floral development and the sucrose pathway that are observed to be coordinated in EBF plants, coherently up- and down-regulating flowering genes that activate and inhibit flowering, respectively. The signature transcripts pattern for the developmental pathways that drive flowering provides insight into the molecular signals that activate plant EBF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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20 pages, 9735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reproductive Biology and Pollination Ecology of Berberis lycium Royle: A Highly Valued Shrub of Immense Medicinal Significance

by Susheel Verma, Ishfaq Ahmad Wani, Sajid Khan, Supriya Sharma, Priyanka Kumari, Prashant Kaushik and Hamed A. El-Serehy

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091907 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3649

Abstract

Study of reproductive biology and pollination ecology helps in understanding the life history patterns of species. Such a study brings to light the bottlenecks, if any, on account of which the individuals of the species are not able to reproduce in nature and [...] Read more.

Study of reproductive biology and pollination ecology helps in understanding the life history patterns of species. Such a study brings to light the bottlenecks, if any, on account of which the individuals of the species are not able to reproduce in nature and ultimately helps in planning appropriate conservation strategies for the species under threat. The present study was aimed at examining the morphological and reproductive variance in Berberis lycium, a threatened ecological specialist growing within shrubberies and open hillsides of the North-Western Himalayas in India. B. lycium displays three different variants. Flowering period ranges from February to September. Pollen viability as reported on fluorescein diacetate and acetocarmine treatments was highest for variant I, while maximum pollen output was obtained for variant III. Pollen pistil interaction is brought by the movement of anther towards stigma. Fluorescence microscopy of hand pollinated club shaped stigma shows that the germinating pollen form a ring over the receptive adaxial surface. Pollination syndrome is entomophily. Variant II attracts a significantly large number of pollinators from diverse insect families. Breeding experiments reflect that plants are self-compatible and cross fertile. Reproductive output (% fruit set) was highest for variant II followed by III and I, respectively. This investigation helped to understand the effect of different biotic and abiotic constraints on the phenology and reproductive biology of the plant. The information generated so will enable conservationists to design appropriate strategies for its long-term survival and sustenance in nature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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26 pages, 5520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sepal Identity of the Pappus and Floral Organ Development in the Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale; Asteraceae)

by Kitty Vijverberg, Monique Welten, Marjan Kraaij, Bertie Joan van Heuven, Erik Smets and Barbara Gravendeel

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081682 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6936

Abstract

The dry one-seeded fruits (cypselae) of the Asteraceae are often crowned with a pappus, an appendage of hairs or scales that assists in dispersal. It is generally assumed, but little investigated, that the pappus represents the outer floral whorl where [...] Read more.

The dry one-seeded fruits (cypselae) of the Asteraceae are often crowned with a pappus, an appendage of hairs or scales that assists in dispersal. It is generally assumed, but little investigated, that the pappus represents the outer floral whorl where the sepals are usually located. We analysed pappus–sepal homology in dandelions using micromorphological and floral gene expression analyses. We show that the pappus initiates from a ring primordium at the base of the corolla, heterochronic to the petals. Pappus parts form from this ring, with those in the alternipetalaous position usually being ahead in growth, referring to sepal identity. Tof-APETALLA1 expression increased during floret development and was highest in mature pappus. Tof-PISTILLATA expression was high and confined to the floral tissues containing the petals and stamens, consistent with expectations for sepals. Apart from the pappus, the dispersal structure of dandelion consists of the upper part of the fruit, the beak, which originates from the inner floral whorl. Thus, our results support the homology of the pappus with the sepals, but show that it is highly derived. Together with our floral stage definitions and verified qPCR reference genes, they provide a basis for evolution and development studies in dandelions and possibly other Asteraceae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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16 pages, 29531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Characterization of APETALA3 Orthologs and Promoters from the Distylous Fagopyrum esculentum

by Lingtian Zeng, Jiao Zhang, Xuan Wang and Zhixiong Liu

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1644; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081644 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2019

Abstract

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) produces distylous flowers with undifferentiated petaloid tepals, which makes it obviously different from flowers of model species. In model species Arabidopsis, APETALA3 (AP3) is expressed in petal and stamen and specifies petal and stamen [...] Read more.

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) produces distylous flowers with undifferentiated petaloid tepals, which makes it obviously different from flowers of model species. In model species Arabidopsis, APETALA3 (AP3) is expressed in petal and stamen and specifies petal and stamen identities during flower development. Combining with our previous studies, we found that small-scale gene duplication (GD) event and alternative splicing (AS) of common buckwheat AP3 orthologs resulted in FaesAP3_1, FaesAP3_2 and FaesAP3_2a. FaesAP3_2 and FaesAP3_2a were mainly expressed in the stamen of thrum and pin flower. Promoters functional analysis suggested that intense GUS staining was observed in the whole stamen in pFaesAP3_2::GUS transgenic Arabidopsis, while intense GUS staining was observed only in the filament of stamen in pFaesAP3_1::GUS transgenic Arabidopsis. These suggested that FaesAP3_1 and FaesAP3_2 had overlapping functions in specifying stamen filament identity and work together to determine normal stamen development. Additionally, FaesAP3_2 and FaesAP3_2a owned the similar ability to rescue stamen development of Arabidopsis ap3-3 mutant, although AS resulted in a frameshift mutation and consequent omission of the complete PI-derived motif and euAP3 motif of FaesAP3_2a. These suggested that the MIK region of AP3-like proteins was crucial for determining stamen identity, while the function of AP3-like proteins in specifying petal identity was gradually obtained after AP3 Orthologs acquiring a novel C-terminal euAP3 motif during the evolution of core eudicots. Our results also provide a clue to understanding the early evolution of the functional specificity of euAP3-type proteins involving in floral organ development in core eudicots, and also suggested that FaesAP3_2 holds the potential application for biotechnical engineering to develop a sterile male line of F. esculentum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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15 pages, 3219 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effective Pollination Period and Parentage Effect on Pollen Tube Growth in Apple

by Stefan Roeder, Sara Serra and Stefano Musacchi

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1618; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081618 - 06 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6283

Abstract

Flower receptivity is a limiting factor for the fertilization of several tree fruit. The effective pollination period (EPP) can be used to determine flower longevity and identify limiting factors by assessing stigmatic receptivity, pollen tube growth rate, and ovule longevity. EPPs were determined [...] Read more.

Flower receptivity is a limiting factor for the fertilization of several tree fruit. The effective pollination period (EPP) can be used to determine flower longevity and identify limiting factors by assessing stigmatic receptivity, pollen tube growth rate, and ovule longevity. EPPs were determined for three apple cultivars under natural field conditions in Washington State in 2019 and 2020. In addition, a greenhouse study, performed under semi-controlled conditions, evaluated the influence of six maternal parents on the pollen tube growth performance of six pollen sources. The duration of the stigmatic receptivity ranged from 6.3 to 8.1 days, depending on the cultivar and year—pollen tubes required between 5.5 and 7.0 days from the stigma to reach the ovules. Ovule longevity of non-pollinated flowers varied between 8.2 and 11.3 days. Combinations of these factors resulted in EPPs ranging from 3.0 days for ‘Rubinstar’ to 5.6 days for ‘Olsentwo Gala’ in the present experimental conditions. The greenhouse study revealed that parentage affected pollen tube growth performance. Importantly, a significant interaction between maternal and paternal factors indicated that the performance of different pollen sources depended on the maternal parent and that general recommendations on pollination need to account for the maternal parent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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16 pages, 6828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RNAi Suppression of LEAFY Gives Stable Floral Sterility, and Reduced Growth Rate and Leaf Size, in Field-Grown Poplars

by Amy L. Klocko, Amanda L. Goddard, Jeremy R. Jacobson, Anna C. Magnuson and Steven H. Strauss

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1594; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081594 - 03 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2166

Abstract

The central floral development gene LEAFY (LFY), whose mutation leads to striking changes in flowering and often sterility, is commonly expressed in non-floral structures; however, its role in vegetative development is poorly understood. Sterility associated with suppression of LFY expression is [...] Read more.

The central floral development gene LEAFY (LFY), whose mutation leads to striking changes in flowering and often sterility, is commonly expressed in non-floral structures; however, its role in vegetative development is poorly understood. Sterility associated with suppression of LFY expression is an attractive means for mitigating gene flow by both seeds and pollen in vegetatively propagated forest trees, but the consequences of its suppression for tree form and wood production are unclear. To study the vegetative effects of RNAi suppression of LFY, we created a randomized, multiple-year field study with 30–40 trees (ramets) in each of two sterile gene insertion events, three transgenic control events, and a wild-type control population. We found that floral knock-down phenotypes were stable across years and propagation cycles, but that several leaf morphology and productivity traits were statistically and often substantially different in sterile vs. normal flowering RNAi-LFY trees. Though trees with suppressed LEAFY expression looked visibly normal, they appear to have reduced growth and altered leaf traits. LFY appears to have a significant role in vegetative meristem development, and evaluation of vegetative impacts from LFY suppression would be prudent prior to large-scale use for genetic containment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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17 pages, 3135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Metrics to Characterize In Vitro Pollen Tube Growth Performance of Apple Cultivars

by Stefan Roeder, Sara Serra and Stefano Musacchi

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071460 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2883

Abstract

In vitro germination assays are frequently used in screening trials to evaluate the pollen viability of pollinizers. To be effective, screening trials must have defined threshold criteria, from which individuals can then be assessed. However, despite decades of research on pollen viability, no [...] Read more.

In vitro germination assays are frequently used in screening trials to evaluate the pollen viability of pollinizers. To be effective, screening trials must have defined threshold criteria, from which individuals can then be assessed. However, despite decades of research on pollen viability, no established threshold is available to categorize apple cultivars based on their in vitro pollen tube lengths. This study aimed to identify and characterize the subgroups of cultivars based on their pollen tube growth performance. In vitro pollen tube lengths of 41 individuals were determined by incubating samples on artificial germination media at 15 and 25 °C. A six-number summary statistic was calculated, and hierarchical clustering on principal component (HCPC) analysis was used to determine and characterize subgroups. Furthermore, a decision tree model was used to predict class membership for future datasets. HCPC analysis partitioned the 41 individuals into three subgroups with different performances. The decision tree quickly predicted the cluster membership based on the second quartile at 15 °C and the third quartile at 25 °C. The thresholds from the decision tree can be used to characterize new observations. The use of the methods will be demonstrated using a case study with 29 apple accessions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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12 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cut Flower Characteristics and Growth Traits under Salt Stress in Lily Cultivars

by Yun-Im Kang, Youn Jung Choi, Young Ran Lee, Kyung Hye Seo, Jung-Nam Suh and Hye-Rim Lee

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071435 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2216

Abstract

Salt stress is a major constraint of crop productivity because it reduces yield and limits the expansion of agriculture. This study investigated salt tolerance in 26 cultivars of cut lilies (Lilium hybrids) by examining the effect of salt stress on the growth [...] Read more.

Salt stress is a major constraint of crop productivity because it reduces yield and limits the expansion of agriculture. This study investigated salt tolerance in 26 cultivars of cut lilies (Lilium hybrids) by examining the effect of salt stress on the growth and morphological characteristics of flowers and leaves and their physiological properties (chlorophyll a fluorescence). Salt stress significantly affected the growth and development of cut lilies. Canonical discriminant analysis indicates that the middle leaf width, number of flowers, first flower diameter, petal width, and chlorophyll a fluorescence were correlated with salt stress, whereas plant height, the middle leaf length, days to flowering, and sepal width were less affected by the stress. The cultivars examined were divided into three groups: Group 1 included the salt-sensitive cultivars, which failed to develop normal flowers; Group 2 included cultivars sensitive to salt stress but tolerant to osmotic stress; and Group 3 was the salt-tolerant group, which developed commercially valuable flowers. In conclusion, the cultivars contained a variable range of cut flower characteristics and growth traits that can be employed for lily breeding programs and as material for molecular mechanisms and signaling networks under salt stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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18 pages, 5324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Association Studies for Sex Determination and Cross-Compatibility in Water Yam (Dioscorea alata L.)

by Jean M. Mondo, Paterne A. Agre, Robert Asiedu, Malachy O. Akoroda and Asrat Asfaw

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071412 - 10 Jul 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3508

Abstract

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) species are predominantly dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on separate individuals. Cross-pollination is, therefore, essential for gene flow among and within yam species to achieve breeding objectives. Understanding genetic mechanisms underlying sex determination and cross-compatibility is crucial [...] Read more.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) species are predominantly dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on separate individuals. Cross-pollination is, therefore, essential for gene flow among and within yam species to achieve breeding objectives. Understanding genetic mechanisms underlying sex determination and cross-compatibility is crucial for planning a successful hybridization program. This study used the genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach for identifying genomic regions linked to sex and cross-compatibility in water yam (Dioscorea alata L.). We identified 54 markers linked to flower sex determination, among which 53 markers were on chromosome 6 and one on chromosome 11. Our result ascertained that D. alata is characterized by the male heterogametic sex determination system (XX/XY). The cross-compatibility indices, average crossability rate (ACR) and percentage high crossability (PHC), were controlled by loci on chromosomes 1, 6 and 17. Of the significant loci, SNPs located on chromosomes 1 and 17 were the most promising for ACR and PHC, respectively, and should be validated for use in D. alata hybridization activities to predict cross-compatibility success. A total of 61 putative gene/protein families with direct or indirect influence on plant reproduction were annotated in chromosomic regions controlling the target traits. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic control of D. alata sexual reproduction. It opens an avenue for developing genomic tools for predicting hybridization success in water yam breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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17 pages, 3063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) Improve ‘Hass’ Avocado (Persea americana) Pollination

by Raphael A. Stern, Ada Rozen, Ravit Eshed, Tali Zviran, Isaac Sisai, Amir Sherman, Vered Irihimovitch and Gal Sapir

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1372; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071372 - 05 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2520

Abstract

Pollination is limiting for avocado production. We examined whether adding bumblebees (BBs; ca. 10 hives/ha) to conventional honeybees (HB; 5 hives/ha) would improve ‘Hass’ avocado pollination and yields. A preliminary trial (2017/18) in an avocado orchard with four consecutive rows of ‘Hass’ followed [...] Read more.

Pollination is limiting for avocado production. We examined whether adding bumblebees (BBs; ca. 10 hives/ha) to conventional honeybees (HB; 5 hives/ha) would improve ‘Hass’ avocado pollination and yields. A preliminary trial (2017/18) in an avocado orchard with four consecutive rows of ‘Hass’ followed by one row of ‘Ettinger’ serving as a pollenizer (20% ‘Ettinger’) showed a considerable increase in ‘Hass’ yield in rows adjacent to (up to 80 m from) the BB hives vs. distant rows (=controls). In 2018/19, the trials were extended to three additional orchards. A significant yield increase was obtained in the BB hive-adjacent trees compared to BB hive-distant ones. Similar results were obtained in 2019/20, in experiments conducted throughout the country. The SNP analysis, to determine the parents of ‘Hass’ fruit at varying distances from the BB hives, showed no differences in the cross-pollination rate (‘Hass’ × ‘Ettinger’). However, pollination rates and the number of germinating pollen grains per stigma decreased with distance from the hives, and correlated to the negative gradient in yield. Taken together, our data suggest that adding BB hives to ‘Hass’ avocado orchards, at ca. 10 hives/ha resulting in 0.5–1.0 BB visits/tree per min, increases pollination and, accordingly, total yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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13 pages, 1366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Nectar Traits between Ornithophilous and Entomophilous Plants on Mount Cameroon

by Štěpán Janeček, Kryštof Chmel, Francis Luma Ewome, Karolína Hrubá, Yannick Klomberg, Ishmeal N. Kobe, Raissa Dywou Kouede, Jan E. J. Mertens, Marcus Mokake Njie and Robert Tropek

Plants 2021, 10(6), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061161 - 08 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3222

Abstract

Despite a growing number of studies, the role of pollinators as a selection agent for nectar traits remains unclear. Moreover, the lack of data from some biogeographic regions prohibits us from determining their general importance and global patterns. We analyzed nectar carbohydrate traits [...] Read more.

Despite a growing number of studies, the role of pollinators as a selection agent for nectar traits remains unclear. Moreover, the lack of data from some biogeographic regions prohibits us from determining their general importance and global patterns. We analyzed nectar carbohydrate traits and determined the main pollinators of 66 plant species in the tropical forests of Mount Cameroon (tropical West Africa). The measured nectar traits included total sugar amounts and proportions of sucrose and hexoses (i.e., glucose and fructose). We report the nectar properties for plants visited by five pollinator groups (bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, and specialized birds). Our results indicate that, rather than specific evolution in each of the five plant groups, there was a unique nectar-trait evolution in plants pollinated by specialized birds. The ornithophilous plants had a higher proportion of sucrose and produced larger sugar amounts than the plants pollinated by insects. We also demonstrated a significant phylogenetic signal in the nectar properties in some lineages of the studied plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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12 pages, 2206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Protocol for In Vitro Pollen Germination in Yam (Dioscorea spp.)

by Jean M. Mondo, Paterne A. Agre, Robert Asiedu, Malachy O. Akoroda and Asrat Asfaw

Plants 2021, 10(4), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040795 - 18 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2818

Abstract

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) plants are mostly dioecious and sometimes monoecious. Low, irregular, and asynchronous flowering of the genotypes are critical problems in yam breeding. Selecting suitable pollen parents and preserving yam pollen for future use are potential means of controlling these constraints [...] Read more.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) plants are mostly dioecious and sometimes monoecious. Low, irregular, and asynchronous flowering of the genotypes are critical problems in yam breeding. Selecting suitable pollen parents and preserving yam pollen for future use are potential means of controlling these constraints and optimizing hybridization practice in yam breeding programs. However, implementing such procedures requires a robust protocol for pollen collection and viability testing to monitor pollen quality in the field and in storage. This study, therefore, aimed at optimizing the pollen germination assessment protocol for yam. The standard medium composition was stepwisely modified, the optimal growth condition was tested, and in vivo predictions were made. This study showed that the differences in yam pollen germination percentage are primarily linked to the genotype and growing conditions (i.e., medium viscosity, incubation temperature, and time to use) rather than the medium composition. The inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the culture medium caused 67–75% inhibition of germination in D. alata. Although the in vivo fertilization was dependent on female parents, the in vitro germination test predicted the percentage fruit set at 25.2–79.7% and 26.4–59.7% accuracy for D. rotundata and D. alata genotypes, respectively. This study provides a reliable in vitro yam pollen germination protocol to support pollen management and preservation efforts in yam breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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15 pages, 2952 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Efficiency of Herkogamy in Narcissus bulbocodium (Amaryllidaceae)

by Luis Navarro, Garbiñe Ayensa and José María Sánchez

Plants 2021, 10(4), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040648 - 29 Mar 2021

Viewed by 2455

Abstract

Within the theoretical framework of the correlation pleiades, floral phenotypic integration has been proposed as a consequence of selection mediated by pollinators acting on floral characters. Here, we analyzed that assumption by studying the floral biology and pollination of the late-winter species Narcissus [...] Read more.

Within the theoretical framework of the correlation pleiades, floral phenotypic integration has been proposed as a consequence of selection mediated by pollinators acting on floral characters. Here, we analyzed that assumption by studying the floral biology and pollination of the late-winter species Narcissus bulbocodium L. We found that the flowers of N. bulbocodium are pollinator-dependent (mainly on Bombus terrestris) in terms of achieving optimal levels of seed production (xenogamy mean seed-to-ovule ratio 64%). Flowers are phenotypically integrated, and only the inclusion of the stigma within the corona seems to have a positive and significant influence on the deposition of the pollen. It has been hypothesized that by including the stigma within the corolla, the flower has some control over the contact between stigma and pollinators that could lead to an “ordered herkogamy” as a way to promote outcross and avoid self-interference. Therefore, herkogamy was also studied, and while most previous studies have assessed the evolutionary significance of herkogamy by considering its relationship with outcrossing rates, we approach this phenomenon from a novel direction assessing the relationship between a proxy for herkogamy and the precision of the pollination process. Our results seem to support the existence of an optimal herkogamy distance that could maintain maximum levels of both pollen export and (cross) pollen capture. On the basis of the broad variability of herkogamy that we have found in N. bulbocodium and other data in the literature, we discuss the universality of the adaptive origin of herkogamy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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12 pages, 2000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Humus, Iron, Sulphate and Magnesium Content Affect Nectar Traits of Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.)

by Alexandra Bodó, Ágnes Farkas, Dávid U. Nagy, Kinga Rudolf, Richárd Hoffmann, Marianna Kocsis and Tamás Morschhauser

Plants 2021, 10(3), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030597 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2325

Abstract

Recent studies revealed that from various ecological factors influencing nectar yield and quality of a plant, soil properties can be as important as microclimatic features. To date, few studies have investigated the relationship of soil characters to nectar traits of bee pollinated plants [...] Read more.

Recent studies revealed that from various ecological factors influencing nectar yield and quality of a plant, soil properties can be as important as microclimatic features. To date, few studies have investigated the relationship of soil characters to nectar traits of bee pollinated plants growing in natural associations. Our study intended to reveal which soil properties had the most powerful impact on nectar variables of wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.). Specimens were collected from fourteen habitats in two different years, and were potted in their original soil under the same climatic conditions. Nectar volumes and sugar concentrations were measured and soil samples were analysed for fourteen parameters. Statistical analyses revealed that the number of nectar producing Allium flowers, as well as the nectar volume and sugar content of nectar in individual flowers were influenced by both year and habitat. The humus, iron and sulphate content of soil showed negative correlation with the number of flowers producing nectar; total nectar volumes were negatively correlated with humus and iron content, but positively affected by magnesium content of the soil. Our results suggest that in addition to the effect of microclimatic factors, certain soil properties can have significant impact on nectar traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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18 pages, 5345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ongoing Evolution in the Genus Crocus: Diversity of Flowering Strategies on the Way to Hysteranthy

by Teresa Pastor-Férriz, Marcelino De-los-Mozos-Pascual, Begoña Renau-Morata, Sergio G. Nebauer, Enrique Sanchis, Matteo Busconi, José-Antonio Fernández, Rina Kamenetsky and Rosa V. Molina

Plants 2021, 10(3), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030477 - 03 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

Species of the genus Crocus are found over a wide range of climatic areas. In natural habitats, these geophytes diverge in the flowering strategies. This variability was assessed by analyzing the flowering traits of the Spanish collection of wild crocuses, preserved in the [...] Read more.

Species of the genus Crocus are found over a wide range of climatic areas. In natural habitats, these geophytes diverge in the flowering strategies. This variability was assessed by analyzing the flowering traits of the Spanish collection of wild crocuses, preserved in the Bank of Plant Germplasm of Cuenca. Plants of the seven Spanish species were analyzed both in their natural environments (58 native populations) and in common garden experiments (112 accessions). Differences among species observed in the native habitats were maintained under uniform environmental conditions, suggesting a genetic basis for flowering mechanisms. Two eco-morphological types, autumn- and spring-flowering species, share similar patterns of floral induction and differentiation period in summer. The optimal temperature for this process was 23 °C for both types. Unlike Irano-Turanian crocuses, spring-flowering Spanish species do not require low winter temperatures for flower elongation. Hysteranthous crocuses flower in autumn prior to leaf elongation. We conclude that the variability in flowering traits in crocuses is related to the genetic and environmental regulation of flower primordia differentiation and elongation prior to emergence above the soil surface. The elucidation of the physiological differences between eco-morphological types of crocuses: synanthous with cold requirements and synanthous and hysteranthous without cold requirements, unlocks a new approach to the flowering evolution of geophytes in Mediterranean regions. Crocus species can serve both as a new model in the study of the molecular basis of hysteranthy and for the purposes of developing the molecular markers for desirable flowering traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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15 pages, 3393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inflorescence Development and Floral Organogenesis in Taraxacum kok-saghyz

by Carolina Schuchovski, Tea Meulia, Bruno Francisco Sant’Anna-Santos and Jonathan Fresnedo-Ramírez

Plants 2020, 9(10), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9101258 - 24 Sep 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5814

Abstract

Rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin; TK) has received attention for its natural rubber content as a strategic biomaterial, and a promising, sustainable, and renewable alternative to synthetic rubber from fossil carbon sources. Extensive research on the domestication and rubber content of TK [...] Read more.

Rubber dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin; TK) has received attention for its natural rubber content as a strategic biomaterial, and a promising, sustainable, and renewable alternative to synthetic rubber from fossil carbon sources. Extensive research on the domestication and rubber content of TK has demonstrated TK’s potential in industrial applications as a relevant natural rubber and latex-producing alternative crop. However, many aspects of its biology have been neglected in published studies. For example, floral development is still poorly characterized. TK inflorescences were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Nine stages of early inflorescence development are proposed, and floral micromorphology is detailed. Individual flower primordia development starts at the periphery and proceeds centripetally in the newly-formed inflorescence meristem. Floral organogenesis begins in the outermost flowers of the capitulum, with corolla ring and androecium formation. Following, pappus primordium—forming a ring around the base of the corolla tube—and gynoecium are observed. The transition from vegetative to inflorescence meristem was observed 21 days after germination. This description of inflorescence and flower development in TK sheds light on the complex process of flowering, pollination, and reproduction. This study will be useful for genetics, breeding, systematics, and development of agronomical practices for this new rubber-producing crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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Jump to: Research

18 pages, 1645 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

A Dual-Successive-Screen Model at Pollen/Stigma and Pollen Tube/Ovary Explaining Paradoxical Self-Incompatibility Diagnosis in the Olive Tree—An Interpretative Update of the Literature

by Catherine Marie Breton, Daniela Farinelli, Georgios Koubouris, Franco Famiani, Michel Raymond and André Bervillé

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1938; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091938 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2379

Abstract

The ‘pollen test’ and ‘fruit set test’ following controlled crossing combinations of parents are the most commonly used methods for pollination incompatibility studies in Olea europaea L. Self-incompatibility (SI), with diagnoses based on the pollen test and pollen germination, indicating self-compatibility, is [...] Read more.

The ‘pollen test’ and ‘fruit set test’ following controlled crossing combinations of parents are the most commonly used methods for pollination incompatibility studies in Olea europaea L. Self-incompatibility (SI), with diagnoses based on the pollen test and pollen germination, indicating self-compatibility, is not always followed by fruit set in this species. To solve this dispute, we have reconciled all observations into a new model. Mismatches between field and laboratory data and between methods are resolved by the dual-successive-screen model (DSSM) supposing two different loci for the expression of the two SI mechanisms. Pollen/stigma is controlled by diallelic SI, or DSI, inferring two G1 and G2 compatibility/incompatibility (C/I) groups for varieties, whereas pollen tubes in ovaries are controlled by poly-allelic SI or PASI with twenty C/I groups. To explain the selfing of varieties, we have suggested that some determinants in the pollen tube and stigma are unstable and degrade (DS-D for degradation of S-determinant) after three to five days, enabling some pollen tubes to avoid being rejected, hence reaching ovules. DSI and PASI in the DSSM and DS-D mechanisms, plus the andromonoecy of the olive tree, complexify SI studies. Inferences from DSSM and DS-D mechanisms in olive orchard practice are detailed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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22 pages, 2972 KiB

Open AccessReview

Blurring the Boundaries between a Branch and a Flower: Potential Developmental Venues in CACTACEAE

by Isaura Rosas-Reinhold, Alma Piñeyro-Nelson, Ulises Rosas and Salvador Arias

Plants 2021, 10(6), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061134 - 03 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6144

Abstract

Flowers are defined as short shoots that carry reproductive organs. In Cactaceae, this term acquires another meaning, since the flower is interpreted as a branch with a perianth at the tip, with all reproductive organs embedded within the branch, thus giving way to [...] Read more.

Flowers are defined as short shoots that carry reproductive organs. In Cactaceae, this term acquires another meaning, since the flower is interpreted as a branch with a perianth at the tip, with all reproductive organs embedded within the branch, thus giving way to a structure that has been called a “flower shoot”. These organs have long attracted the attention of botanists and cactologists; however, the understanding of the morphogenetic processes during the development of these structures is far from clear. In this review, we present and discuss some classic flower concepts used to define floral structures in Cactaceae in the context of current advances in flower developmental genetics and evolution. Finally, we propose several hypotheses to explain the origin of these floral shoot structures in cacti, and we suggest future research approaches and methods that could be used to fill the gaps in our knowledge regarding the ontogenetic origin of the “flower” in the cactus family. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Floral Biology)

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