Ultrastructural and Histochemical Characteristics of the Stigma of Cicer arietinum

Abstract

The stigma of Cicer arietinum L. cv. UC-5, a self-compatible legume, is comprised of a small central region of papillate cells which exhibit a localized surface secretion at the white bud stage of development, and of surrounding peripheral cells which lack surface secretion at the white bud stage and at anthesis. The cuticle of cells of the central region is thin and smooth and is displaced from subtending cells and fragmented as a result of secretory production. The cuticle of peripheral cells is thick and rugose. Although it is also displaced by secreted material, it is not disrupted during the white bud stage of development or at anthesis. The contents of central and peripheral papillate cells are similar. Cells are densely cytoplasmic, often with starch-containing plastids. Mitochondria, Golgi bodies, and associated vesicles are abundant, along with strands of smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The limited stigma surface area covered by the secretion may restrict pollen capture and retention. This limited area may partly account for the notably unsuccessful hybridization attempts to broaden the genetic base and to develop improved cultivars of Cicer.