Abstract
A differentiated structure called “aril” has been described in seeds of several plant species during the course of evolution and might be considered as a supernumerary integument. Besides its ecological function in seed dispersal, the structure also represents a relevant character for systematic classification and exhibits important properties that impart agronomic value in certain species. Little is known about the molecular pathways underlying this morphological innovation because it is absent in currently used model species. A remarkable feature of the seeds of Passiflora species is the presence of a conspicuous aril. This genus is known for the ornamental, medicinal, and food values of its species. In view of the molecular resources and tools available for some Passiflora species, we highlight the potential of these species as models for developmental studies of the aril.
Highlights
The morphological diversity among plant species results from differential gene expression controlling the development of novel features that ensure the adaptation and reproductive success of a species
There is a great amount of information available about morphological and molecular development of plant ovules and seeds and they can be used as initial clues to investigate aril development
The first divisions might be observed between the tetrad formation stage, when integuments are elongating toward the nucellus, and the beginning of megagametogenesis, when the outer integument has already enveloped the inner integument and the nucellus, forming the micropyle (Raju, 1956; Singh, 1962; Dathan and Singh, 1973; Grear and Dengler, 1976; Kloos and Bouman, 1980; Rodriguez-Riaño et al, 2006)
Summary
Specialty section: This article was submitted to Plant Evolution and Development, a section of the journal Frontiers in Plant Science. A differentiated structure called “aril” has been described in seeds of several plant species during the course of evolution and might be considered as a supernumerary integument. Little is known about the molecular pathways underlying this morphological innovation because it is absent in currently used model species. A remarkable feature of the seeds of Passiflora species is the presence of a conspicuous aril. This genus is known for the ornamental, medicinal, and food values of its species. In view of the molecular resources and tools available for some Passiflora species, we highlight the potential of these species as models for developmental studies of the aril
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