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 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.
Highlights
The genus Taraxacum Wigg. belongs to the family Asteraceae, subfamily Cichorioideae, tribe Cichorieae, and sub-tribe Crepidinae [1]
The present study shows a description of inflorescence and floral development in Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TK), proposing nine stages of inflorescence development using SEM techniques
This study showed that the pappus primordium in TK was initiated forming a ring around the flower
Summary
The genus Taraxacum Wigg. (dandelion) belongs to the family Asteraceae, subfamily Cichorioideae, tribe Cichorieae, and sub-tribe Crepidinae [1]. (dandelion) belongs to the family Asteraceae, subfamily Cichorioideae, tribe Cichorieae, and sub-tribe Crepidinae [1]. Asteraceae (Compositae) is a large family of angiosperms. Its members have an inflorescence called a capitulum which is characterized by flowers organized on a receptacle and bracts (phyllaries) forming an involucre [2]. The tribe Cichorieae includes annual and perennial herbs that produce latex, i.e., they are characterized by the presence of lactiferous canals in subterranean and aerial parts [1]. Members of the Taraxacum genus are commonly found throughout the temperate region. These plants form a polyploid complex with both sexual and apomictic modes of reproduction [3,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
