Histological and Histochemical Studies of Ovule Development in Tuberose (Polianthes Tuberosa Linn.)

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cultivar Mexican Single was selfed and crossed with cultivar Pearl Double to investigate the histological changes occurring during ovule development. Fruits were abscised and dropped upon selfing within 10 day of anthesis as a consequence of degeneration of ovule, but upon crossing the ovule development was normal. Low contents of polysaccharides, RNA and proteins in the embryo sac and seed wall of selfed tuberose indicate its degeneration symptoms. Until twentieth day of anthesis the fusion nucleus of crossed ovule did not show any symptoms of division. But thereafter, between twentieth and thirtieth day of anthesis the complete development of torpedo shaped embryo and endosperm was observed in crossed material Intense accumulation of polysaccharides, RNA and proteins was observed after thirtieth day and until fortieth day of anthesis. This represents a completely developed seed as a result of crossing.