Flowers Research Articles

Assessment of florpyrauxifen-benzyl in water-seeded rice systems as affected by application timing

Florpyrauxifen-benzyl (FPB) is a novel auxin mimic rice herbicide used to control selected grasses, sedges, and broadleaves. Field experiments were conducted in 2020–2022 to 1) characterize the effects of FPB on rice crop safety and weed control when applied alone or in a mixture, 2) determine the FPB application timing to optimize smallflower umbrella sedge (SMF) control, and 3) evaluate the effect of late season application on rice flower sterility. In the first study, FPB was applied alone at 15, 30, and 60 g ai ha−1 and in mixture with bispyribac-sodium, penoxsulam, and propanil. FPB applied alone at 30 g ha−1 at 4–5-leaf (LF) rice stage controlled more than 80% of watergrasses, ricefield bulrush, and SMF and more than 99% of all broadleaf weeds at 28 days after treatment (DAT). The mixture treatments of FPB plus bispyribac-sodium applied at maximum use rate had the greatest grass weed control whereas, FPB plus propanil at the maximum use rate provided the greatest sedge control. In the second study, FPB at 40 g ha−1 was applied at 1-LF, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-cm tall SMF, where treatments controlled 95%, 86%, 89%, 87%, and 85% of SMF at 42 DAT, respectively. In the third study, FPB at 40 and 80 g ha−1 rate was applied at rice panicle initiation (PI) and 50% flowering (FL) growth stages. While the weed control was more than 90% at 42 DAT for all applications, the FL stage application caused 26% and 35% rice panicle blanking at 40 and 80 g ha−1 rate, respectively. This research suggests, the window of FPB application should be from 2-LF rice to rice PI stage to ensure crop safety and highest weed control.

Biology of flowering and embryological structure of the iron tree in aderonic conditions

Biology of flowering and embryological structure of the iron tree in aderonic conditions

Identification and Verification of the Movement of the Hidden Active Fault Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Excavation

Identifying the movement of the branches of the hidden Thakhek fault in Thailand is challenging due to the absence of evident landforms indicating an active fault. In this study, we analyzed a digital elevation model (DEM) to identify potential landforms. A 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) survey was conducted to locate the hidden Thakhek fault. The results reveal vivid images of resistivity contrast, interpreted as two reverse faults, with mudstone exhibiting low resistivity in the middle, flanked by thick sediment layers with higher resistivity. Three trenches were excavated perpendicular to the two interpreted reverse faults. The displacement of reverse faulting appears to have shifted mudstone over Quaternary sediments, with vertical offsets revealed in trenches NWY-1, NWY-2, and NWY-3. This movement could be identified as a positive flower structure. Additionally, lakes are identified as a negative flower structure along the traces. These features result from strike-slip strains under a locally appropriate compressional and extensional environment in a shearing strike-slip fault.

Cascading rupture of large strike-slip fault bends: Evidence from paleoearthquakes in the Xianshuihe fault zone, Eastern Tibetan Plateau

The restraining and releasing bend region, encompassing the South Qianning, Kangding, and North Moxi segments, occupies a distinctive position within the Xianshuihe fault zone and plays a pivotal role in the analysis of seismic hazards. Our study focused on paleoearthquake research on the Qianning segment of the Xianshuihe fault zone through the integration of tectonic geomorphology, trench excavations, and radiocarbon dating methodologies. Three events, designated as ET1-ET3, have been found, occurring at 635–519, 823–672, and 3515–1482 yr B.P., respectively. A chronological framework for earthquake events has been established since the Holocene. The coefficient of variation (CoV) (0.75 reveals a weakly periodic recurrence model governing the activity of the Qianning segment. Moreover, both the Qianning and Kangding segments exhibit heightened susceptibility to cascading ruptures within the context of a single earthquake. The integration of shallow and deep data reveals a noteworthy transformation in the fault structure, transitioning from a solitary deep structure within the Qianning segment to a flower structure in the Kangding segment. This structural evolution is attributed to the migration of activity from the Yalahe Fault to the Selaha Fault and Zheduotang Fault, resulting in the short-cutting process within the Xianshuihe Fault Zone.

Polygalaqii, a new species of Polygalaceae from limestone landform in Southern Hunan, China.

Polygalaqii, a new species, is described and illustrated from limestone landform in southern Hunan, China. The new species resembles P.fallax and P.arillata in flower structure of the plants, but readily differs from the latter two in having erect and shorter inflorescences (0.2-1cm VS 10-15cm VS 7-10cm), and fewer flowers (1-5 flowers VS 10-30 flowers VS 10-20 flowers), and the latter two have a later flowering period (late March to mid-April VS May to August VS May to October). And it is an extremely unique new species that will hibernate in the hot summer of July and August. Following the IUCN Red List Criteria, P.qii is assessed as 'Data Deficient (DD)'.

Autumn Leucojum autumnale and spring L. trichophyllum: the same flower type for different seasons with a different pollination scenario

Plant reproduction may experience distinct evolutionary and ecological dynamics depending on their flowering phenology. Consequently, floral traits might undergo divergence selection to adapt to the difference in the abiotic and the biotic environment, especially if these traits affect intensity of competition plants experience due to pollinators. The present study analyzed the plant floral display, floral rewards, and the pollination and breeding systems of two related species of Leucojum, the autumn-blooming L. autumnale and the spring-blooming L. trichophyllum. The aim of the current study is to compare reproductive aspects of L. autumnale and L. trichophyllum due to differing environmental conditions. Both species needed pollinators to reproduce sexually, with zero (L. trichophyllum) or low values (c. 7.7%; L. autumnale) for fructification after self-pollination vs. over 90% after natural pollination (both species). Their flowers opened in the morning and closed at night, and neither produced nectar, only pollen as reward to pollinators. Plants of the L. autumnale studied population produced 1–4 inflorescences per plant vs. only 1 in L. trichophyllum, and the former presented a greater density of flowers per surface unit. Leucojum autumnale flowers were visited by Hymenoptera and those of L. trichophyllum only by two Coleoptera, which were most abundant at sunrise and sunset, whereas in the middle of the day, they visited Cistaceae flowers. This latter occurrence may represent a temporal niche partitioning rather than competition in relation to visiting hours, as the L. trichophyllum flowers offer a place for insects to spend the night, a period in which the flowers of the Cistaceae species have lost their petals.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria boost floral attractiveness in a tropical legume species during nutrient limitation.

Legumes establish mutualistic interactions with pollinators and nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria that are critical for plant reproduction and ecosystem functioning. However, we know little about how N-fixing bacteria and soil nutrient availability affect plant attractiveness to pollinators. In a two-factorial greenhouse experiment to assess the impact of N-fixing bacteria and soil types on floral traits and attractiveness to pollinators in Chamaecrista latistipula (Fabaceae), plants were inoculated with N-fixing bacteria (NF+) or not (NF-) and grown in N-rich organic soil (+N organic soil) or N-poor sand soil (-N sand soil). We counted buds and flowers and measured plant size during the experiment. We also measured leaf, petal, and anther reflectance with a spectrophotometer and analyzed reflectance curves. Using the bee hexagon model, we estimated chromatic contrasts, a crucial visual cues for attracting bees that are nearby and more distant. NF+ plants in -N sand soil had a high floral display and color contrasts. On the other hand, NF- plants and/or plants in +N organic soil had severely reduced floral display and color contrasts, decreasing floral attractiveness to bee pollinators. Our findings indicate that the N-fixing bacteria positively impact pollination, particularly when nutrients are limited. This study provides insights into the dynamics of plant-pollinator interactions and underscores the significant influence of root symbionts on key floral traits within tropical ecosystems. These results contribute to understanding the mechanisms governing mutualisms and their consequences for plant fitness and ecological dynamics.

Evidence on the origin of Narcissus ×weickertii (Amaryllidaceae), an endemic daffodil of the SW Iberian Peninsula

The hypothesis regarding the origin of Narcissus ×weickertii through hybridization of its putative parent species, N. papyraceus and N. gaditanus, is investigated in populations from the southwestern of the Iberian Peninsula. Multivariate analyses of quantitative morphological characters in both vegetative and flower structures, coupled with a descriptive analysis of qualitative traits, reveal that N. ×weickertii displays an intermediate morphology between its putative parents. Several anatomical traits of the leaf and scape provide additional support for its hybrid nature. Karyotype analyses show that N. ×weickertii has a 2n=21 karyotype, which falls between those of the putative parent species, with several chromosomes showing an inability to pair. Fluorescence in situ hybridization procedures, encompassing both FISH (targeting NOR regions) and GISH (using total DNA from the putative parents), yield conclusive evidence regarding the hybrid nature of N. ×weickertii and confirm the hypothesis about the identity of their putative parent species. Furthermore, phylogenetic relationships suggest that N. gaditanus likely served as the maternal parent, while N. papyraceus acted as the paternal species, maintaining the hybrid species the style polymorphism of their parent species. The degree of viability observed in the N. ×weickertii pollen grains might indicate that it could bear some possibilities of sexual reproduction beyond the typical vegetative propagation of many described Narcissus hybrid species.

Genetic diversity of SP1 population of space mutagenized Pueraria montana

To explore the mutagenic effect of the space environment on Pueraria montana and select the elite germplasm with good growth conditions and high isoflavone content, this study observed the agronomic traits, determined the flower isoflavone content, and labeled amplified fragment length polymorphism(AFLP) fluorescent molecular markers of 79 P. montana plants exposed to space mutagenesis(SP1 group) and 10 control plants of P. montana(CK group). Excel 2019, SPSS 25.0, NTSYSpc-2.11F, and Popgen 32 were employed to analyze the genetic diversity and perform the cluster analysis. The results showed that the SP1 group presented changed leaf hairy attitude and flower structure and higher CV and H' of quantitative traits than the CK group. The cluster analysis screened out five plants in the SP1 group. Ten P. montana plants in the SP1 group had higher content of 6″-O-xylosyl-tectoridin and tectoridin in the flowers than the control group, with the total content of both exceeding 11%. After clustering, 9 plants in the SP1 group were separated. Nine pairs of polymorphic primers were screened out frrom 64 pairs of primers. A total of 1 620 polymorphic loci were detected, with the average percentage of polymorphic loci(PPL) of 83.33%. The average Nei's gene diversity index(H) and Shannon's information index(I) were 0.192 2 and 0.305 2, respectively. After clustering, 4 plants in the SP1 group were screened out. According to the above results, plants No. 30, No. 66, and No. 89 in the SP1 group were subjected to greater mutagenic effect by the space environment and presented better growth and higher flower isoflavone content. Moreover, plant No. 30 showed the flower structure variation and flower weight two times of that in the CK group. These plants can be used as key materials for the subsequent experiments.

Characterization and Identification of Ipomoea genus in the Greater Kediri Area, Indonesia

This study aims to characterize and identify the genus of Ipomoea in the Greater Kediri area. The research was conducted in the Greater Kediri area which includes Kediri Regency and City, Nganjuk Regency, Blitar Regency and City, Tulungagung Regency, and Trenggalek Regency of East Java from January to June 2024 in an explorative descriptive manner. Sampling was done by snowball and purposive sampling. The observed characters include the morphological structure of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Plant identification was carried out referring to the Ipomoea genus Identification Key. The tools and materials used were ruler, razor/cutter, camera, stereo microscope, stationery, and plants of Ipomoea genus that were found. Ipomoea genus found in Greater Kediri area were 12 types, namely: Ipomoea batatas, Ipomoea carnea, Ipomoea aquatica, Ipomoea reptans, Ipomoea triloba, Ipomoea lacunosa, Ipomoea obscura, Ipomoea quamoclit, Ipomoea quinquefolia, Ipomoea pes-tigridis, Ipomoea pes-caprae and Ipomoea tricolor. Because of the wide area of research, this research is continued and if new species are found, they will be collected and added to the database of Ipomoea genus members in the Greater Kediri area.

انماء تراكيب نانوية من أكسيد الزنك بطريقة التحلل المائي الحراري لقيم مختلفة من درجة الحامضية

تم تحضير تراكيب نانوية (زهرية وعصي) الشكل من اكسيد الزنك بالطريقة الحرارية المائية عند 90 درجة مئوية لمدة ثلاث ساعات. تم تحضير ثلاثة محاليل بقيم درجة الحامضية 9 و10 و11 وبمولارية 0.028 مولاري، على قواعد زجاجية / بذور ZnO. كان لجميع العينات المحضرة نمط حيود متعدد التبلور مع حيود سائد من المستوى (002). مع زيادة درجة الحامضية، زاد حجم البلوري إلى حد أقصى قدره 37.6 نانومتر. أظهرت صور الانبعاث الحقلي لمجهر الماسح الإلكتروني تكمن اهمية البحث في انماء تراكيب مختلفة من اكسيد الزنك من خلال التحكم بدرجة الحامضية حيث أظهرت النتائج ظهور تراكيب زهرية عند الحامضية 11 وبحجم جسيمي 100-800 نانومتر، وانماء تراكيب نانوية بشكل حزمة من العصي عند الحامضية 10 وبحجم جسيمي 500-800 نانومتر وانماء اكسيد الزنك بشكل عصي منفردة عمودية على السطح عند الدرجة الحامضية 9 وبحجم حبيبي 70-80 نانومتر. أظهرت الخصائص البصرية انخفاضًا في النفاذية من 78.75 الى 79.32 وزيادة في قيم فجوة الطاقة من 3.18 الكترون فولط الى 3.31 الكترون فولط مع زيادة درجة الحامضية.

Influence of different fatty acids on the wettability, self-cleaning and anti-corrosion behavior of superhydrophobic surfaces obtained with LDH on aluminum

The present study aims to evaluate the influence of different fatty acids on the wettability, self-cleaning, and anti-corrosion properties of aluminum alloy 5052 (AA5052). Superhydrophobic surfaces are developed through acid etching with HCl solution, in-situ growth of zinc layered double hydroxides (ZnAl LDH), and chemical modification with three different fatty acids: lauric (LA), myristic (MA), and stearic (STA). SEM images show the formation of micro-nanometric binary structures of flowers and petals covered by a thin film, which is associated with ZnAl LDH formation and fatty acid deposition through EDS. The contact angle (CA) values indicate the change in the wettability of the surfaces after chemical modification, ranging from CA = 0° to CA > 160°. Visual tests reveal notable disparities in buoyancy and self-cleaning behaviors, liquid adhesion, and the formation of plastrons between the coated and uncoated samples. The results demonstrate the influence of the fatty acid carbon chain size on the CA and corrosion resistance efficiency (IE) in saline environment (NaCl 0.6 mol/l), with the STA sample exhibiting the best performance (CASTA = 164°; IESTA = 99.98 %) followed by MA (CAMA = 162°; IEMA = 99.27 %) and LA (CALA = 160°; IELA = 81.24 %). Future researchs will focus on obtaining self-healing properties and the durability of the coatings will be evaluated using accelerated testing methods.

Agricultural landscape simplification affects wild plant reproduction indirectly through herbivore-mediated changes in floral display

As natural landscapes are modified and converted into simplified agricultural landscapes, the community composition and interactions of organisms persisting in these modified landscapes are altered. While many studies examine the consequences of these changing interactions for crops, few have evaluated the effects on wild plants. Here, we examine how pollinator and herbivore interactions affect reproductive success for wild resident and phytometer plants at sites along a landscape gradient ranging from natural to highly simplified. We tested the direct and indirect effects of landscape composition on plant traits and reproduction mediated by insect interactions. For phytometer plants exposed to herbivores, we found that greater landscape complexity corresponded with elevated herbivore damage, which reduced total flower production but increased individual flower size. Though larger flowers increased pollination, the reduction in flowers ultimately reduced plant reproductive success. Herbivory was also higher in complex landscapes for resident plants, but overall damage was low and therefore did not have a cascading effect on floral display and reproduction. This work highlights that landscape composition directly affects patterns of herbivory with cascading effects on pollination and wild plant reproduction. Further, the absence of an effect on reproduction for resident plants suggests that they may be adapted to their local insect community.

Molecular, morphological, and morphometric evidence reveal a new, critically endangered rattlepod (Crotalaria, Fabaceae/Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) from tropical China.

Here, we describe a new species of Crotalaria L. discovered in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China. The new species, Crotalariamenglaensis S.A.Rather, was confirmed by identifying diagnostic morphological characteristics, performing principal component analyses of phenotypic traits, and phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS and plastid matK sequences. Phylogenetic analyses recovered the two accessions of the new species to be sister to C.bracteata Roxb. ex DC. In turn, these two species formed the sister clade to the two accessions of C.incana L. The morphometric analyses revealed that all three species were distinct, while the analyses of distinctive characters enabled unambiguous distinction of the new species by its growth habit, leaflets, flower structure and pod morphology. In contrast to the two related species, the new species is currently known only from ca. 100 mature individuals. Thus, this species is considered to be critically endangered.

Field emission from two-dimensional (2D) CdSSe flake flowers structure grown on gold coated silicon substrate: An efficient cold cathode.

Field emission finds a vital space in numerous scientific and technological applications, including high-resolution imaging at micro- and nano-scales, conducting high-energy physics experiments, molecule ionization in spectroscopy, and electronic uses. A continuous effort exists to develop new materials for enhanced field emission applications. In the present work, two-dimensional (2D) well-aligned CdSSe flake flowers (CdSSe-FFs) were successfully grown on gold-coated silicon substrate utilizing a simple and affordable chemical bath deposition approach at ambient temperature. The time-dependent growth mechanism from nanoparticles to FFs was observed at optimized parameters such as concentration of precursors, pH (~11), deposition time, and solution temperature. The crystalline nature of CdSSe-FFs is confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results, and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) observations reveal a hexagonal crystal structure. Additionally, the CdSSe-FFs thickness was confirmed by TEM analysis and found to be ~20-30 nm. The optical, photoelectric, and field emission (FE) characteristics are thoroughly explored which shows significant enhancement due to the formation of heterojunction between the gold-coated silicon substrate and CdSSe-FFs. The UV-visible absorption spectra of CdSSe-FFs show enhanced absorption at 700 nm, corresponding to the energy band gap (Eg) of 1.77 eV. The CdSSe-FFs exhibited field emission and photosensitive field emission (PSFE) characteristics. In FE study CdSSe-FFs shows an increase in current density of 387.2 μ A cm-2 in an applied field of 4.1 V m-1 which is 4.08 fold as compared to without light illumination (95.1 μ A cm-2). Furthermore, it shows excellent emission current stability at the preset value of 1.5 μA over 3 h with a deviation of the current density of less than 5% respectively. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Novel CdSSe flake flowers were grown on Au-coated Si substrate by a cost-effective chemical bath deposition route. The growth mechanism of CdSSe flake flowers is studied in detail. Field emission and Photoluminescence study of CdSSe flake flowers is characterized. CdSSe flake flowers with nanoflakes sharp edges exhibited enhanced field emission properties.

Structure and Function of Blueberry Fruit and Flowers: Stomata, Transpiration and Photoassimilation

Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) stands out among fruit in terms of three open physiological questions about its climacteric character, CO2 uptake, and the absence or presence of stomata on its floral organs. The objective of the present study was to examine the structures of blueberry flowers and fruit to explain their contribution to CO2 exchange and transpiration in order to clarify these discrepancies. Blueberries were dewaxed and the sepals/corolla removed for stomata counts, and their micromorphology was studied via LT-SEM. The fruit has stomata, contrary to beliefs in the literature, possibly because the stomata are occluded by the dense wax cover or ‘bloom’ and hidden on the distal part of the ovary in between and underneath the corolla. However, stomata were located on the distal part of the fruit surrounded by the sepals (calyx) and found predominantly on the abaxial sepals, while the adaxial side of the sepals and the proximal part of the ovary lacked stomata. The petals were devoid of stomata, trichomes, and chlorophyll and abscised after anthesis. In contrast, the sepals remained until maturity, contributing 5–7% to the berry surface but contributing to the majority of fruit stomata and chlorophyll. With 59–71% of the fruit’s chlorophyll, sepals were a significant source of the CO2 uptake. Similarly, with 95% of the berry stomata, sepals were a significant source of water loss, measured via porometry of fruit with and without sepals. Overall, this study identified the ovary as a minor source and sepals as the dominant source of CO2 and H2O exchange in blueberries.

Cathode|Electrolyte Interface Engineering by a Hydrogel Polymer Electrolyte for a 3D Porous High-Voltage Cathode Material in a Quasi-Solid-State Zinc Metal Battery by In Situ Polymerization.

This work highlights the development of a superior cathode|electrolyte interface for the quasi solid-state rechargeable zinc metal battery (QSS-RZMB) by a novel hydrogel polymer electrolyte using an ultraviolet (UV) light-assisted in situ polymerization strategy. By integrating the cathode with a thin layer of the hydrogel polymer electrolyte, this technique produces an integrated interface that ensures quick Zn2+ ion conduction. The coexistence of nanowires for direct electron routes and the enhanced electrolyte ion infiltration and diffusion by the 3D porous flower structure with a wide open surface of the Zn-MnO electrode complements the interface formation during the in situ polymerization process. The QSS-RZMB configured with an integrated cathode (i-Zn-MnO) and the hydrogel polymer electrolyte (PHPZ-30) as the separator yields a comparable specific energy density of 214.14Whkg-1 with that of its liquid counterpart (240.38Whkg-1, 0.5MZn(CF3SO3)2 aqueous electrolyte). Other noteworthy features of the presented QSS-RZMB system include its superior cycle life of over 1000 charge-discharge cycles and 85% capacity retention with 99% coulombic efficiency at the current density of 1.0Ag-1, compared to only 60% capacity retention over 500 charge-discharge cycles displayed by the liquid-state system under the same operating conditions.

Biomimetic solar evaporator for continuous clean water production with synergistic organic dye wastewater remediation

Solar-driven water evaporation is recognized as an environment-friendly technology for sustainable clean water generation, serving the needs of both desalination and wastewater purification. However, its practical application is constrained by challenges such as single functionality and significant salt accumulation. Inspired by the transpiration of vascular plant, this work introduces a scalable and cost-effective biomimetic evaporator (PyCOF/Tri-Layers), consisting of a biomimetic hierarchical fibrous membrane (Tri-Layers) and a composite photothermal layer (PyCOF). Furthermore, the PyCOF composite, featuring an aloe-like flower structure, enhances the light trapping (95.1 %) through multiple scattering, realizing simultaneous desalination and azo dye degradation. Based on the PyCOF/Tri-Layers evaporator, we demonstrate a suspended multi-section hanging evaporation structure sustaining a consistent evaporation rate of approximately 1.41 kg m−2 h−1 over 15 days without salt accumulation, achieving above 99.3 % removal of dye pollutants within 120 min under one sun irradiation. Moreover, in outdoor experiments, the improved evaporator realizes a daily clean water yield rate of 8.73 kg m−2 d−1, and the collected water is suitable for supporting crop cultivation within an integrated solar desalination-cultivation system. This work not only provides a one-stone-two-birds approach for generating clean water from polluted seawater, but also presents promising possibilities for offshore self-sustainable agriculture production.

Phenotypic characterization of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) induced bigger pod (bp) with multiple seed mutant in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a protein- and nutrient-rich crop with limited genetic diversity and climate adaptability, making it ideal for mutation breeding research. Hence, in this study, we aimed to select and characterize distinct mutations in the flower and pod traits of lentil crops for enhanced yield and yield stability. In this study, healthy and viable lentil seeds were mutagenized using different concentrations of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) (0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.0%). The mutagenized lentil populations were cultivated up to the third generation (M3) to identify stable mutations in the flower and pod structures with increasing plant height. The notably larger 'bigger pod’ (bp) mutant, characterized by its unusually large pods containing 6–7 seeds per pod, was meticulously studied and quantified for its morphological traits in subsequent generations. Morphological observations of the tall bp mutant revealed significant mutations induced by EMS (0.10%) treatment. The quantitative trait means and confidence intervals showed that the mutant and parent cultivar L-4076 exhibited considerable variation. Seed yield (g) and yield-related components, including pods per plant, pod length (cm), and seeds per pod, were significantly higher in the mutant. Seed yield exhibited a significant positive phenotypic correlation with pod length, followed by branches per plant, seeds per pod, plant height, and pods per plant. The novel bp mutant induced in the present study produced increased number of seeds per plant and ensured optimal resource utilization, thus possibly contributing to yield improvement and stability. Further, it also aided in understanding the genetic networks that control legume flower and pod architecture and in genomics-assisted breeding for the development of superior lentil cultivars.

Ultrastructure and development of the floral nectary from Borago officinalis L. and phytochemical changes in its secretion

Although Boraginaceae have been classified as good sources of nectar for many insects, little is still known about their nectar and nectaries. Thus, in the present contribution, we investigated the nectar production dynamics and chemistry in Borago officinalis L. (borage or starflower), together with its potential interaction capacity with pollinators. A peak of nectar secretion (∼5.1 µL per flower) was recorded at anthesis, to decrease linearly during the following 9 days. In addition, TEM and SEM analyses were performed to understand ultrastructure and morphological changes occurring in borage nectary before and after anthesis, but also after its secretory phase. Evidence suggested that nectar was transported by the apoplastic route (mainly from parenchyma to epidermis) and then released essentially by exocytotic processes, that is a granulocrine secretion. This theory was corroborated by monitoring the signal of complex polysaccharides and calcium, respectively, via Thiéry staining and ESI/EELS technique. After the secretory phase, nectary underwent degeneration, probably through autophagic events and/or senescence induction. Furthermore, nectar (Nec) and other flower structures (i.e., sepals, gynoecia with nectaries, and petals) from borage were characterized by spectrophotometry and HPLC-DAD, in terms of plant secondary metabolites, both at early (E-) and late (L-) phase from anthesis. The content of phytochemicals was quantified and discussed for all samples, highlighting potential biological roles of these compounds in the borage flower (e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant, staining effects). Surprisingly, a high significant accumulation of flavonoids was registered in L-Nec, with respect to E-Nec, indicating that this phenomenon might be functional and able to hide molecular (e.g., defence against pathogens) and/or ecological (e.g., last call for pollinators) purposes. Indeed, it is known that these plant metabolites influence nectar palatability, encouraging the approach of specialist pollinators, deterring nectar robbers, and altering the behaviour of insects.