Abstract
Most species of Anacardiaceae have drupes containing secretory structures.. The substances produced by these structures may have importance to industry and folk medicine, and may even cause allergenic effects. This work describes the ontogeny of pericarp of Tapirira guianensis with an emphasis on the secretory structures present at different stages of development. Ovary and fruits in various stages of development were collected, fixed and processed for studies using light and scanning electron microscopy according to conventional techniques. Histochemical tests were employed to identify the major metabolites present in the tissues. The fruit is a drupe formed by exocarp, mesocarp containing secretory ducts and idioblasts, and endocarp with some lignified layers. Fruit growth occurs through the division and elongation of cells. The secretory ducts produce mainly phenols and lipids and are active during all stages of development. The secreted substances protect the fruit against pathogens and predators. In ripe fruits the cells of the mesocarp accumulate starch. This study is the first report of the presence of a secretory endocarp in young fruits of a species of Anacardiaceae. The substances produced by the endocarp in early developmental stages may play an important role in seed dispersal and germination.
Highlights
Most species of Anacardiaceae have drupaceous fruits (Wannan & Quinn 1990; Gonzalez & Vesprini 2010). Wannan & Quinn (1990) studied fruits belonging to 29 genera of Anacardiaceae and recognized two basic types of endocarp: (1) the Spondias type - consisting of a mass of sclerenchyma with irregular orientation and (2) the Anacardium type - characterized by a lignified inner epidermis and a layered arrangement, including sclereids in palisade
This work describes the ontogeny of pericarp of Tapirira guianensis with an emphasis on the secretory structures present at different stages of development
Ovary and fruits in various stages of development were collected, fixed and processed for studies using light and scanning electron microscopy according to conventional techniques
Summary
Most species of Anacardiaceae have drupaceous fruits (Wannan & Quinn 1990; Gonzalez & Vesprini 2010). Wannan & Quinn (1990) studied fruits belonging to 29 genera of Anacardiaceae and recognized two basic types of endocarp: (1) the Spondias type - consisting of a mass of sclerenchyma with irregular orientation and (2) the Anacardium type - characterized by a lignified inner epidermis and a layered arrangement, including sclereids in palisade. Secretory structures are quite common in fruits of Anacardiaceae (Von-Teichman 1987; Wannan & Quinn 1990; Carmello-Guerreiro & Paoli 2000; 2002; 2005; Machado & Carmello-Guerreiro 2001; Lacchia & Carmello-Guerreiro 2009; González & Vesprini 2010). According to Barroso et al (2007), the mesocarp of the representatives of this family can be fleshy (Mangifera and Spondias) or spongy with ducts or cavities (e.g., Anacardium, Astronium and Myracrodruon). In the latter, the secretory system is quite developed, and the ducts or cavities occupy almost the entire mesocarp (CarmelloGuerreiro & Paoli 2000). The substances produced may have importance in industry and folk medicine and can even cause allergenic effects (Dong & Bass 1993; Barroso et al 2007; Pell et al 2011)
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