Anther development and microsporogenesis in Swietenia macrophylla King. (Meliaceae): A histological study
Paper Details
Anther development and microsporogenesis in Swietenia macrophylla King. (Meliaceae): A histological study
Abstract
The development of anther and microsporogenesis are fundamental biological processes that play a key role in successful male reproduction in flowering plants. Swietenia macrophylla King. (Meliaceae) is an economically important endangered species with significant medicinal and commercial value. Despite extensive research on this species, detailed information on male reproductive development of this species is lacking. The present study aimed to investigate anatomical changes across progressive stages of anther development and microsporogenesis in S. macrophylla using light microscopy. Anthers of S. macrophylla are dithecus and tetrasporangiate. Anther wall formation confirmed basic type, comprising epidermis, endothecium, two middle layers and uniseriate tapetum. Tapetum is secretory type with uninucleate cells. However, it becomes binucleated at tetrad stage and partially bilayered at young pollen grain stage. Microsporogenesis followed the simultaneous cytokinesis producing tetrahedral tetrads enclosed within a callose wall. Tapetum and one middle layer degenerate completely during anther development while epidermis, endothecium and one middle layer persist at anthesis. Mature pollen grains were spheroidal in outline, isopolar and 4(5)-colpate with psilate exine surface. Endothecium developed fibrous thickenings and epidermal cells became papillate at the time of anther dehiscence. Anther dehiscence occurred through the stomium by longitudinal splitting of anther wall.
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Mahantesh Shitaram Chavhan, Shekappa Ningappa Agadi*, 2026. Anther development and microsporogenesis in Swietenia macrophylla King. (Meliaceae): A histological study. Int. J. Biosci., 29(3), 71-86.
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