Abstract
It is known that the efficient dispersal is one among other features that amplify the invasion potential of a plant. Knowledge of the ontogeny, morphology and fruit dispersal of species is indispensable for weed control in crops. To identify the pericarp structures involved in the fragmentation and dehiscence processes and other features related to dispersal, we studied the pericarp development of Aeschynomene evenia Wright, Desmodium incanum (Sw.) DC. and Vigna luteola (Jacq.) Benth. (Fabaceae-Faboideae), all of which are considered weeds in certain situations. For light and scanning electron microscopy studies, we fixed and processed buds, flowers and fruits, according to usual methods, at different stages of development. We observed that the sclerenchymatous endocarp is essential for dehiscence in legumes, as well as for fragmentation in loments. We also found that the presence of hook-shaped trichomes, sclereid nests in the mesocarp, septum, hypodermis and the formation of false septa are essential to the diaspore dispersal of the species studied.
Highlights
Fabaceae is the third largest family of flowering plants, in terms of the number of species; it is distinguished by the diversity of forms of its species and number of habitats in which they are found; and it is a family of great agricultural, economic and ecological importance (Wojciechowski 2003; Lewis et al 2005)
Morphology and fruit dispersal of weeds is indispensable for their control (Souza 2006)
Samples were collected at the following locations in Brazil: A. evenia in the municipality of São Francisco do Sul (26°11’46.1”S; 48°31’45.8” W), in the state of Santa Catarina; D. incanum in the municipality of Maringá (23°24’16.2”S; 51°56’53.7”W), in the state of Paraná; and V. luteola in the municipality of São Francisco do Sul (26°10’08.0”S; 48°32’06.5”W)
Summary
Fabaceae is the third largest family of flowering plants, in terms of the number of species; it is distinguished by the diversity of forms of its species and number of habitats in which they are found; and it is a family of great agricultural, economic and ecological importance (Wojciechowski 2003; Lewis et al 2005). Faboideae is by far the largest of the three and is important because of the number of genera comprising species that are considered weeds in crop fields (Kissmann & Groth 2000; Doyle & Luckon 2003). Weeds are wild plants that arise and reproduce spontaneously (i.e., are not cultivated), growing on agricultural lands and in areas of human interest. These undesirable plants causing economic losses to farmers and livestock producers, as well as being a cause for concern regarding human life and health (Lorenzi 2000; Brighenti 2001). Morphology and fruit dispersal of weeds is indispensable for their control (Souza 2006)
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