Development of the permanent tetrad wall in Juncus L. (Juncaceae, Poales).

Juncaceae, a cosmopolitan family, belong to the cyperid clade of Poales together with Cyperaceae and Thurniaceae. Pollen grain of Juncaceae, as in Thurniaceae, is dispersed in a permanent tetrad, and knowledge about the ontogeny of its wall is still incipient, based on data from only one species. This study aims to analyze the formation of the pollen wall of seven Juncus species in order to characterize the timing and the ontogenetic events that lead to the cohesion of the four pollen grains in a permanent tetrad. Anthers at different developmental stages were submitted to techniques of light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy; dehiscent anthers with mature pollens were also analyzed in scanning electron microscopy. In all the species here studied, callose deposits around each microsporocyte, with dissolution prior to meiosis. Microspore wall starts at the end of the second meiotic division with formation of primexine. Exine comprises tectum, columellae, and foot layer. During cytokinesis, cell plates form the internal wall of the pollen tetrad. Mature permanent tetrad is enveloped externally by both the exine and intine and internally by the intine and the foot layer, which forms the continuous internal wall. Callose was detected in the early stages of microsporocytes, although reported to be absent in Juncaceae. Our data confirm the variation in Juncaceae cytokinesis and the occurrence of simple cohesion due to the presence of a continuous tectum along the pollen tetrad.

Mechanisms of desiccation tolerance in the bromeliad Pitcairnia burchellii Mez: biochemical adjustments and structural changes.

Rocky outcrops represent the diversity center of vascular desiccation tolerant (DT) plants. Vegetation in this environment is exposed to an extended dry season and extreme conditions due to rocky soils and high sun exposure. In this study, we demonstrated that Pitcairnia burchellii, a bromeliad from rocky outcrops, tolerates intense desiccation for about 90 days due to strategies as accumulation of compatible osmolytes and antioxidant substances together with leaf morphological changes. In dehydrated plants, an increase in antioxidant activity was observed and the vacuolization of parenchyma cells was accompanied by proline accumulation in leaves and rhizomes. Precursors related to phenylpropanoid pathway increased significantly during plant dehydration. Accordingly, increases in anthocyanin and phenolic contents as well as lignin deposition were observed in leaves of dehydrated plants. Cell divisions and a decrease in stored starch were observed in the rhizomes indicating starch mobilization. Anatomical analyses revealed the presence of a more developed water-storage tissue in dehydrated leaves. During desiccation, leaves curl upwards and the adaxial V deep water-storage tissue is supported by two larger lateral vascular bundles. Cell wall folding and an increased proportion of arabinose-containing polymers was observed in leaves under dehydration, suggesting increasing of cell wall flexibility during desiccation. Such biochemical and morphological changes are consistent with the ability of P. burchellii to tolerate intense desiccation and behave as a resurrection species.

Leaf and inflorescence axis anatomy of Brazilian species of Rapateoideae (Rapateaceae, Poales).

The anatomy of leaves and inflorescence axes of Spathanthus (2 spp.), Rapatea (2 spp.), Cephalostemon (1 sp.), and Duckea (1 sp.) (Rapateoideae, Rapateaceae) was studied to identify useful characters for taxonomy. The cross-section shape of inflorescence axis differentiates the genera, while the cross-section shape and structure of leaf midrib has a specific value. The following characteristics are exclusive of Spathanthus: silica cells randomly distributed in the leaf epidermis; plicate chlorenchyma in the leaf blade; presence of fiber bundles in the mesophyll and in the inflorescence axis parenchyma. Spathanthus is also distinguished by the number, type and distribution of vascular bundles in the inflorescence axis. The genus Rapatea is characterized by the presence of stomata and silica cells only on the abaxial epidermis of the leaves and chlorenchyma composed of arm cells in the leaf blade. Characteristics with diagnostic value for Cephalostemon riedelianus are: leaf epidermal cells with straight to slightly sinuous walls in frontal view, inflorescence axes presenting a defined cortex, fiber bundles facing the larger vascular bundles and a fistulous pith. The anatomical characteristics of the leaves and inflorescence axes thus proved to be of taxonomic value in generic and specific levels. They are also useful to differentiate Rapateoideae from other subfamilies of Rapateaceae.

Reproductive biology of Abolboda pulchella and A. poarchon (Xyridaceae: Poales).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Abolboda (Xyridaceae) belongs to the Poales, a predominantly wind-pollinated order whose phylogeny has been widely studied in recent years. The reproductive biology of Abolboda pulchella and A. poarchon was studied to determine the main pollination system of these species, providing the first experimental data on reproduction in the Xyridaceae. METHODS: A field study was conducted, including observations on the morphology and biology of the flowers, insect visits and pollinator behaviour. Experimental pollination treatments were performed to assess agamospermy, spontaneous self-pollination and self-compatibility. Pollination success was determined by pollen tube growth, and reproductive success was assessed by fruit- and seed-set. KEY RESULTS: Abolboda pulchella and A. poarchon were pollinated by Apidae, Megachilidae and Halictidae bees. The floral resources were pollen and nectar that was produced by stylar appendages, an uncommon nectary type for monocotyledons. The species were self-compatible, and pollen tube growth from self-pollen was similar to that of cross-pollen. However, herkogamy prevented spontaneous selfing, rendering the plants dependent on the pollinator's activity. There was no production of seeds by agamospermy. CONCLUSIONS: Melittophily is the main pollination system of these two Abolboda species. Nectar production was first recorded here for Xyridaceae, and along with self-compatibility, herkogamy and bee pollination, is an informative characteristic that can be used in future phylogenetic analyses of the family as well as Poales.

Intracellular papillae of Actinocephalus (Eriocaulaceae-Poales) roots and their interaction with fungi: a light and transmission electron microscopy study.

The genus Actinocephalus comprises 25 species and is restricted to Brazil, occurring mainly in the Espinhaço Mountains of Minas Gerais and Bahia States. Previous anatomical studies have reported the occurrence of intracellular papillae in the Actinocephalus roots, without dealing with their ultrastructure and function. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structure, the composition and the probable function of the intracellular papillae of Actinocephalus roots, based on light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and histochemical tests. The intracellular papillae occurred in all root tissues, from the rhizodermis to the vascular cylinder; they presented different forms and sizes and, ultrastructurally, they corresponded to material deposited between the cell wall and the plasma membrane. The histochemical tests carried out were positive for cellulose, pectin and callose. The intracellular papillae are responses of the plant cells to the interaction with fungi. They work as a physical barrier restricting fungal penetration, and they may also favor the supply of water and nutrients to the plant, since they increase root absorption surface. This might explain why the species of Actinocephalus are among the tallest Eriocaulaceae despite their reduced radicular system and the nutritional deficiency of the soil in which they grow.