The endosperm development and the variations of structures of embryo sacs: unravelling the low fecundity of Zephyranthes candida (Amaryllidaceae)

Abstract

To unravel a low fecundity in Zephyranthes candida (Lindl.) Herb., the development of the endosperm was studied using conventional paraplast section technique. The results show that the endosperm develops normally and comprises four major stages viz. syncytial, cellularization, differentiation and maturation. Both proliferation of antipodal cells and their close contact with the primary endosperm nucleus were observed, which should favor transportation of nutrients and accelerate development of embryo and endosperm. In Z. candida, at least four events of nuclear migration occurred during the course of embryogenesis and endosperm development. The 12.7% structurally and functionally abnormal ovules, along with the 22.3% collapsed and aborted ovules observed accounts for the low fecundity to some extent.

Keywords:

• Antipodal cell
• embryo sac structure
• endosperm
• fecundity
• nuclear migration
• primary endosperm nucleus
• Zephyranthes candida

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for the research was provided by the Wenzhou University Short Term Visitor Awards to C. AO in Kyoto University, Japan; the Opening Foundation of Ecology Province Key Discipline, Wenzhou University, Zhejiang, China; the Initial Foundation for the Introduced Talents of Wenzhou Normal College, Zhejiang, China; and the Foundation for Young Teachers in High Schools of Zhejiang Province, China.