Reproductive Structures Research Articles

The effects of long-term radiation exposure on the reproductive structures of Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) Holmb.: A case study in the Chornobyl exclusion zone

During the acute phase of the Chornobyl accident the biota of the contaminated area was exposed to high doses of ionising radiation. Although these doses decreased significantly over the years, the exposure persisted over a prolonged period. This long-term exposure can be considered as a direct cause of genetic modifications occurring in organisms, and the search for correlative changes in the state of biota under the impact of radioactive contamination is an extremely urgent task. The aquatic macrophyte Glyceria maxima is the most common coenosis-forming plant of the littoral vegetation of the floodplain water bodies in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, and is capable of concentrating radionuclides in significant quantities. In this study, we aim to determine whether long-term radiation exposure has affected organs of reproductive structure (flower, pollen, seed) and, consequently, the viability of local populations of this species. All the traits analysed showed an inverse relationship with the absorbed dose rate of the maternal plants. It was determined that with an increase in the absorbed dose rate, the pollen size decreases, and the range of individual grains in the sample begins to vary more: small, heterogeneous in shape and size pollen grains are formed. Additionally, a decrease in pollen grain size correlates with a decrease in the proportion of fertile pollen. Pollen grains viability (fertility) decreases by 20–40% with increasing radiation dose rate. The response of reproductive structures to radiation exposure is non-linear: already at low doses (>2 μGy/h), negative changes in functional and morphological traits are observed, while at higher doses (9–13 μGy/h), the changes slow down. It is assumed that the radiation exposure mainly affects the early reproductive stages (pollen grains and partially flowers), while the main nutrients in water, that determine the trophic status of the reservoir, affects the late stages (seeds).

New findings of the Ginkgoales in the Middle Jurassic of the East European platform

Representatives of ginkgoaleans from the Middle Jurassic of the Stoilensky opencast mine in the Belgorod Region and the Mikhailovsky opencast mine in the Kursk Region, European Russia are described for the first time. Remains of ginkgoaceous affinity dominate in some samples and are represented by leaf fragments of Sphenobaiera angrenica (Samylina) Nosova, originally described from the Middle Jurassic Angren Formation in Uzbekistan where they are associated with female reproductive structures (collar complexes) of Nagrenia samylinae Nosova. Rare fragments of the collars were also found in the Stoilensky mine. These remains are assigned to Nagrenia sp. As well as in the Angren Formation, seeds of Allicospermum budantsevii Gordenko are recorded in the Stoilensky mine.

A new southern Atlantic cryptic marine shrimp species of Acetes (Decapoda, Sergestidae).

A recently published molecular phylogenetic analysis, focusing on selected Western Atlantic subspecies of Acetesamericanus Ortmann, 1893 and allies, was inconclusive about relationships among these members. This previous study found three groups that split into two distinct lineages: Acetesamericanus (Brazil 1) (= A.americanus sensu stricto) and Acetesamericanus (Brazil 2) + A.americanus (USA). Combined morphometry and molecular analyses applied to members of the group Acetesamericanus (Brazil 2) revealed a new unidentified species genetically related to the A.americanus representatives. However, at that time, no conclusive morphological characters were found to identify it. In the present study, following an in-depth morphological analysis of specimens from the three groups, including data on the type series and consideration of the subtle distinctions of members of each lineage, morphological features of the reproductive structures (petasma and genital sternite) were found to characterize the new species, which is formally described and named herein.

Opossums as opportunistic visitors of chiropterophilous flowers: Interaction between Didelphis albiventris (Marsupialia) and Hymenaea cangaceira (Fabaceae)

AbstractBat‐pollinated plants feature open flowers, facilitating easy access to their abundant nectar for various animal groups. The Caatinga, a Brazilian Seasonally Tropical Dry Forest, stands out globally as a hotspot for bat‐pollinated plants. This study presents the first documentation of the opossum Didelphis albiventris (Marsupialia) engaging in the consumption of nectar on flowers of Hymenaea cangaceira (Fabaceae), a bat‐pollinated tree species within the Caatinga. The observation spanned five nights and occurred unexpectedly during an experiment involving bagged flowers to assess nectar dynamics. Initially, torn bags were discovered containing flowers, which nectar had been consumed. Subsequent nights revealed the opossum actively exploring bagged flowers, likely guided by the fragrant nectar of H. cangaceira, and unmanipulated flowers located in the canopy's upper reaches. Given the opossum's contact with reproductive structures during these visits, it emerges as a potential pollinator. Following this observation, a comprehensive literature review on Didelphis interactions with other plants was conducted, leading to the construction of a meta network. This network unequivocally illustrates that the majority of plants visited by Didelphis indeed have bats as their primary pollinators. Owing to the nocturnal, arboreal and stealthy nature of opossums, documenting their interactions with flowers proves highly challenging. Consequently, our record highlights significant knowledge gaps in comprehending the interplay between opossums and chiropterophilous flowers. These gaps include the under‐sampling of this process in the Caatinga, the role of olfactory signalling and the broader consequences of this unique interaction.

Nutrient competition between female cones and young seeds in spring affects the physiological dropping and nut-setting rate in Torreya grandis.

Physiological seed drop is a recognized phenomenon in economic forest, caused by the abscission of developing seeds due to intergroup competition for resources. However, little is known about the resource allocation dynamics in species exhibiting a biennial fruiting cycle, where interactions occur not only among seeds of the same year but also between reproductive structures from consecutive years. In this study, we explored the dynamics of resource allocation in Torreya grandis, a nut crop with a prototypical two-year seed development pattern. We implemented thinning treatments of 0%, 30%, and 60% on female cones and/or immature seeds during the spring, targeting various stages of development both pre- and post-pollination. Our findings reveal a pronounced resource competition in Torreya, evidenced by a natural seed-setting rate of merely 9.4%. Contrary to expectations, seed thinning did not lead to an obvious increase in nut-setting rates, whereas a substantial increase to 20.5% was observed when female cones were thinned by 60% at 20 days before pollination. The cone thinning treatment appears to have influenced seed development through positive cytokinin and negative abscisic acid effects. This indicates that intergroup competition between female cones and nuts is a more significant factor in seed drop than inner nut competition, and there seems to be an interaction between the two groups. We demonstrate that, in Torreya with biennial seed development, it is the competition between female cones and immature seeds that is important. This insight expands our comprehension of the physiological mechanisms governing seed drop in biennial fruiting species and managing the reproductive organ load to optimize nutrient allocation.

Sampling Method to Estimate Fresh Fruit Bunch Production in Oil Palm Using Geostatistical Techniques

In oil palm cultivation, harvesting is a task that demands the most attention, resources, and accuracy. The logistics of harvesting activities, from bunch cutting through delivery to processing, are organized as a function of yield per hectare, and this planning depends on production samples collected from plantations to estimate the number of fresh fruit bunches that will be harvested per crop management unit. Conventionally, production is estimated through sampling grids, most commonly every five rows and every five palms (5 × 5), 7 × 7, or 10 × 10. Sampling density, however, does not typically result from a statistically rigorous method. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to define, using geostatistics, adequate sampling grids for estimating production. Specifically, seven lots in different Colombian oil palm-growing regions with planting ages between 5 and 9 years were analyzed, and the number of reproductive structures of all oil palms was recorded. From the semivariogram of each lot, different models were proposed, fitted, and cross-validated. For each sampling grid, all possible samples were simulated in the respective lots to determine the degree of accuracy in estimating oil palm production. The optimal sampling grids differed between lots, ranging from 3 × 3 to 15 × 15.

A Specialized Combination: The Relationship between Reproductive Structure Arrangement and Breeding Systems in oil-rewarding Calceolaria Species (Calceolariaceae)

A Specialized Combination: The Relationship between Reproductive Structure Arrangement and Breeding Systems in oil-rewarding Calceolaria Species (Calceolariaceae)

Improving Water-Efficient Irrigation in Terrain Durio Zibethinus Farming Using Hybrid Ant Colony Optimization-Based Soil Moisture Prediction Model

The vegetation stage of Durio Zibethinus trees is characterized by active root development, leaf expansion, and the initiation of reproductive structures. During this crucial phase, adequate irrigation is necessary to satisfy the trees' water requirements. A well-irrigated durian plantation encourages effective nutrient absorption, resulting in healthier trees with increased pest and disease resistance. Understanding the water needs of durian trees is essential for irrigation management to optimize water application and prevent water stress and waterlogging. Typically, sensors measure the soil moisture within the root zone. However, installing soil moisture sensors at each tree is laborious and prohibitively expensive. Using climatic data to forecast the value is a viable option in such a scenario. Climate data are used to create soil moisture predictions incorporated into the irrigation model. This research employs Ant Colony Optimization- Support Vector Regression (ACO-SVR) to predict soil moisture levels. The model is compared to other optimization methods, and its accuracy is assessed using statistical methods. Finally, the prediction models' findings determine the irrigation volume and schedule.

Two monoacyl glycerols isolated from B. mycoides, B. weihenstephanensis and B. toyonensis and their antifungal activity against Lasiodiplodia theobromae, pathogen of cacao

In this work two known monoacyl glycerols, glycerol 1-monopalmitate and glycerol 1-monostearate, were isolated for the first time from B. mycoides, B. weihenstephanensis and B. toyonensis. These monoacyl glycerol compounds showed good antifungal activity specially, against Lasiodiplodia theobromae, which is the fungus affecting cacao. A study of the cell damage done by these monoacyl glycerols was performed in three phytopathogens, resulting in severe damage of reproductive structures, indicating for the first time the potent antifungal activity of these compounds. It could be a promising result to apply in agriculture crops. This work contributes with the research about Bacillus species secreting metabolites, since this is the first time that is reported about the mono acyl glycerols as compounds secreted by Bacillus species. Furthermore, this work explores the role that Bacillus genus can play in controlling important fungi in agriculturally important crops such as cacao.

Effect of temperature on the development of fruiting bodies of Phaeoacremonium minimum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora on grapevine cuttings in vitro, and survival of both pathogens in vineyards.

In this study, isolates of Phaeoacremonium minimum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, fungal pathogens associated with Petri and esca diseases of grapevine, were used to determine the effect of temperature on the development of their fruiting bodies in vitro. Perithecia of Pm. minimum and pycnidia of Pa. chlamydospora were induced at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30ºC on pieces of 1-year-old grapevine cuttings of 110 Richter rootstock, which were incubated for 45 days under continuous white light. Both species were able to produce abundant fruiting bodies at temperatures ranging from 15 to 25ºC, but Pm. minimum produced more perithecia at 25ºC and Pm. chlamydospora produced more pycnidia at 20ºC. At 30ºC, only very few reproductive structures were observed. Calculated optimal temperatures ranged from 23.3ºC to 25.6ºC, and equations providing a proper description of temperature effect on Pm. minimum and Pa. chlamydospora fruiting bodies development were obtained. Moreover, the development of fruiting bodies and the survival of both pathogens on artificially inoculated grapevine cuttings was investigated in two vineyards. No fruiting bodies were observed during the vineyard experiments, but both fungal species were systematically recovered by fungal isolation from the cuttings. Differences in pathogen survival based on incidence data were observed relative to the species, location and time of exposure, and generalized linear-mixed models analysis showed a progressive reduction of inoculum viability with time. The present research increases our knowledge about the biology and epidemiology of Pm. minimum and Pa. chlamydospora, being particularly useful to improve epidemiological models that could be developed for Petri and esca diseases prediction.

Reproductive character displacement: insights from genital morphometrics in damselfly hybrid zones.

Reproductive Character Displacement (RCD) refers to the phenomenon of greater differences in reproductive characters between two species when they occur in sympatry compared to when they occur in allopatry to prevent maladaptive hybridization. We explored whether reinforcement of a mechanical barrier involved in the first contact point between male and female genital traits during copulation in the cross between Ischnura graellsii males and Ischnura elegans females has led to RCD, and whether it supports the lock-and-key hypothesis of genital evolution. We employed geometric morphometrics to analyze the shape and size of male and female genital traits, controlling for environmental and geographic factors. Consistent with an increase in mechanical isolation via reinforcement, we detected larger divergence in genital traits between the species in sympatry than in allopatry, and also stronger signal in females than in males. In the Northwest (NW) hybrid zone, we detected RCD in I. graellsii males and I. elegans females, while in the Northcentral (NC) hybrid zone we detected RCD only in I. elegans females and I. elegans males. The detection of RCD in both sexes of I. elegans was consistent with the lock-and-key hypothesis of genital evolution via female choice for conspecific males in this species. Our study highlights the importance of using geometric morphometrics to deal with the complexity of female reproductive structures while controlling for environmental and geographic factors to investigate RCD. This study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of reproductive isolation mechanisms and genital coevolution.

Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Analyses during Plant Regeneration Initiation in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a biotechnological tool used to generate new individuals and is the preferred method for rapid plant regeneration. However, the molecular basis underlying somatic cell regeneration through SE is not yet fully understood, particularly regarding interactions between the proteome and post-translational modifications. Here, we performed association analysis of high-throughput proteomics and phosphoproteomics in three representative samples (non-embryogenic calli, NEC; primary embryogenic calli, PEC; globular embryos, GE) during the initiation of plant regeneration in cotton, a pioneer crop for genetic biotechnology applications. Our results showed that protein accumulation is positively regulated by phosphorylation during SE, as revealed by correlation analyses. Of the 1418 proteins that were differentially accumulated in the proteome and the 1106 phosphoproteins that were differentially regulated in the phosphoproteome, 115 proteins with 229 phosphorylation sites overlapped (co-differential). Furthermore, seven dynamic trajectory patterns of differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) and the correlated differentially regulated phosphoproteins (DRPPs) pairs with enrichment features were observed. During the initiation of plant regeneration, functional enrichment analysis revealed that the overlapping proteins (DAPs-DRPPs) were considerably enriched in cellular nitrogen metabolism, spliceosome formation, and reproductive structure development. Moreover, 198 DRPPs (387 phosphorylation sites) were specifically regulated at the phosphorylation level and showed four patterns of stage-enriched phosphorylation susceptibility. Furthermore, enrichment annotation analysis revealed that these phosphoproteins were significantly enriched in endosomal transport and nucleus organization processes. During embryogenic differentiation, we identified five DAPs-DRPPs with significantly enriched characteristic patterns. These proteins may play essential roles in transcriptional regulation and signaling events that initiate plant regeneration through protein accumulation and/or phosphorylation modification. This study enriched the understanding of key proteins and their correlated phosphorylation patterns during plant regeneration, and also provided a reference for improving plant regeneration efficiency.

Effect of Media on the Mycelial Growth of Honey Bee Fungal Pathogen <i>Ascosphaera apis</i> Mating Types

The fungal pathogen Ascosphaera apis significantly impacts the honey bee Apis mellifera by causing larval mortality and reducing colony productivity. Understanding the growth dynamics of A. apis under different media conditions is crucial for advancing research on its biology and pathogenicity. This study evaluates the effect of eight artificial media namely Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Carrot Dextrose Agar (CDA), Beetroot Dextrose Agar (BDA), Tender Coconut Water (TCW) media, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), Sabouraud Dextrose Agar Yeast (SDAY), Sabouraud Maltose Agar Yeast (SMAY), and Malt Extract Agar (MEA) on the mycelial growth and reproductive structure formation of A. apis's two mating types. Results indicated significant differences in mycelial growth across media. SDA (75.40 mm dia) and SDAY (74.83 mm dia) supported maximum growth for mating type 1 (MAT1) and, SDA (72.72 mm dia) and BDA (68.17 mm dia) yielded the maximum growth for mating type 2 (MAT2). The TCW resulted in the least growth for MAT1 (44.19 mm dia) and MAT2 (41.25 mm dia). The growth patterns showed that media supplemented with sugars generally enhanced A. apis growth, whereas non-sugar media did not. Furthermore, reproductive structures formed faster on PDA and CDA than on other media. The study confirms that media composition, particularly sugar content, critically influences the growth and development of A. apis, providing insights that could help to develop better management strategies for controlling chalkbrood disease in honey bee colonies.

Ceratozamia gigantea (Zamiaceae), a new species of cycad, endemic to the mountain karst forests of Tabasco, Mexico: what the reproductive structures revealed

Ceratozamia gigantea (Zamiaceae), a new species of cycad, endemic to the mountain karst forests of Tabasco, Mexico: what the reproductive structures revealed

Cytokinin and reproductive shoot architecture: bigger and better?

Cytokinin (CK) is a key plant hormone, but one whose effects are often misunderstood, partly due to reliance on older data from before the molecular genetic age of plant science. In this mini-review, we examine the role of CK in controlling the reproductive shoot architecture of flowering plants. We begin with a long overdue re-examination of the role of CK in shoot branching, and discuss the relatively paucity of genetic evidence that CK does play a major role in this process. We then examine the role of CK in determining the number of inflorescences, flowers, fruit and seed that plants initiate during reproductive development, and how these are arranged in space and time. The genetic evidence for a major role of CK in controlling these processes is much clearer, and CK has profound effects in boosting the size and number of most reproductive structures. Conversely, the attenuation of CK levels during the reproductive phase likely contributes to reduced organ size seen later in flowering, and the ultimate arrest of inflorescence meristems during end-of-flowering. We finish by discussing how this information can potentially be used to improve crop yields.

Fungal diversity in the temple with an Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) molecular and morphological approach

Abstract. Wijayanti C, Kuswytasari ND, Shovitri M, Danilyan E, Zulaika E. 2024. Fungal diversity in the temple with an Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) molecular and morphological approach. Biodiversitas 25: 2896-2906. Red bricks and andesite stones comprise most of Indonesia's temple architecture. Red brick is a highly porous building material that weathers rapidly in temples. Physical and biological weathering are the main causes of temple weathering. Rain and other physical elements can raise the temple's humidity, encouraging the growth of lichen and fungus. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the fungal variety in temples made of andesite stones, but the diversity found in these studies has only been identified at the genus level. This research aimed to determine the variety of fungi in the temples by employing morphological and molecular approaches like ITS biomarkers. Macroscopic characterization involves visual inspection of the colony's color on its surface and back and its edges, texture, diameter, shape, and surface to perform morphological identification. Meanwhile, the slide culture method was used for microscopic characterization, utilizing character observations such as reproductive and hyphal structures. Several steps were involved in the molecular identification process: DNA extraction using the Genomic ex Promega Corp Wizard kit, ITS marker-based DNA amplification visualized with Gel Documenter, DNA sequencing, BLAST searches to determine the isolate species, and MEGA 11 phylogenetic tree reconstruction. Class Eurotiomycetes, which includes Talaromyces funiculosus (CB L1B isolate), Talaromyces purpureogenus (CB L3A isolate), Penicillium oxalicum (CB L4A isolate), Penicillium cataractarum (CT TL3 isolate), and Aspergillus aflatoxiformans (CT TL4 isolate), was the most prevalent among the identified species from the classes Sordariomycetes and Eurotiomycetes. Purpureocillium lilacinum (CBL1C isolate), Trichoderma anaharzianum (CB L3B isolate), and Fusarium equiseti (CT L41 isolate) were the discovered species from the Sordariomycetes class.

What's that smell? The putrid scent of Rafflesia consueloae, its origin and developmental regulation

We report the floral scent composition of the endophytic holoparasite Rafflesia consueloae for the first time. Using a non-destructive in situ method that we developed, we identified 13 volatile compounds present in the scent of R. consuelaoe. Among the compounds detected were several benzenoids, organosilicons, an oligosulfide, a monoterpenoid, and a fatty acid-derived compound. Comparing the scent profiles of different reproductive stages, we found that all stages produced a similar set of volatiles, except for the flowers in bloom. The sulfur-containing dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), which is mainly responsible for the rotten smell of the flower, was only detected in the scent of full-bloom flowers indicating that its synthesis only takes place when the aperture is fully open and the flies are able to access the sex organs. Moreover, an analysis of the scent components of different floral parts from full-bloom flowers revealed that the different floral structures had varying scent profiles. The diaphragm and chamber floor produced the most volatiles. Notably, DMDS was only detected from the diaphragm and the central disk. Emission of putrid-smelling volatiles in these tissues may lure the flies into entering the floral chamber where the reproductive structures are located, thus increasing pollination success. Overall, this pioneering study of the R. consueloae floral scent composition provides valuable insights into the pollination mechanisms of the enigmatic Rafflesia genus and parasitic floral ecology in general.

Integrative phenotyping analyses reveal the relevance of the phyB-PIF4 pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana reproductive organs at high ambient temperature

BackgroundThe increasing ambient temperature significantly impacts plant growth, development, and reproduction. Uncovering the temperature-regulating mechanisms in plants is of high importance, for increasing our fundamental understanding of plant thermomorphogenesis, for its potential in applied science, and for aiding plant breeders in improving plant thermoresilience. Thermomorphogenesis, the developmental response to warm temperatures, has been primarily studied in seedlings and in the regulation of flowering time. PHYTOCHROME B and PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs), particularly PIF4, are key components of this response. However, the thermoresponse of other adult vegetative tissues and reproductive structures has not been systematically evaluated, especially concerning the involvement of phyB and PIFs.ResultsWe screened the temperature responses of the wild type and several phyB-PIF4 pathway Arabidopsis mutant lines in combined and integrative phenotyping platforms for root growth in soil, shoot, inflorescence, and seed. Our findings demonstrate that phyB-PIF4 is generally involved in the relay of temperature signals throughout plant development, including the reproductive stage. Furthermore, we identified correlative responses to high ambient temperature between shoot and root tissues. This integrative and automated phenotyping was complemented by monitoring the changes in transcript levels in reproductive organs. Transcriptomic profiling of the pistils from plants grown under high ambient temperature identified key elements that may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms behind temperature-induced reduced fertilization rate. These include a downregulation of auxin metabolism, upregulation of genes involved auxin signalling, miRNA156 and miRNA160 pathways, and pollen tube attractants.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that phyB-PIF4 involvement in the interpretation of temperature signals is pervasive throughout plant development, including processes directly linked to reproduction.

Long‐proboscid horseflies (Philoliche: Tabanidae) as pollinators of co‐adapted plants in Africa and Asia

AbstractElongated nectar‐feeding mouthparts have evolved in several fly families, most notably Nemestrinidae, Bombylidae and Tabanidae. Plants pollinated by these “long‐proboscid flies” tend to have relatively specialized pollination systems. In this review, I focus on the blood‐ and nectar‐feeding horsefly genus Philoliche (Tabanidae: Pangoniinae) which includes species that are important pollinators of plants in Africa and, to a lesser extent, in Asia. The nectar‐feeding mouthparts of flower‐visiting Philoliche species range from 5 to 65 mm in length, with considerable intraspecific variation evident in some taxa. Plants pollinated by Philoliche species tend to have corolla tubes (or highly exerted reproductive structures) that match the proboscis dimensions of their pollinators. Some Philoliche species and their nectar host plants show population‐level covariation in proboscis lengths and flower depths that is indicative of co‐adaptation. I summarize existing information on the distribution and morphology of Philoliche species known to pollinate flowers as well as the identity, morphology and nectar properties of plants pollinated by these insects. This survey identifies some Philoliche species as keystone pollinators. Distinct guilds of plants are adapted to different horsefly species in different geographical regions and are generally ecologically reliant on these insects, although some plant species share tabanid and nemestrinid pollinators that are functionally similar on account of convergent evolution of their proboscis dimensions. Lack of information about the larval biology, nectar host plants, fire ecology and dispersal distances of Philoliche species is the biggest challenge for the conservation of these specialized pollinators and the plants that depend on them.

Семенная продуктивность и качество семян Pinus sylvestris L. в лесных культурах на крымских яйлах

The seed production and quality of Pinus sylvestris seeds in forest plantations on the Crimean yaylas has been studied. The dynamics of biometric indicators of cones and seeds by year and in connection with the peculiarities of growing conditions has been characterized. Significant differences in the quality of seeds of P. sylvestris trees have been revealed in terms of the level of germination energy. It has been shown that, along with the temperature regime, a significant impact on the effectiveness of P. sylvestris reproduction processes is exerted by air humidity and the nature of precipitation, as well as the dynamics of air mass movement, since the success of pollination is determined by the quantity and quality of pollen that has reached the female reproductive structures. Based on the analysis of weather phenomena and the dynamics of seed quality, it has been found that the level of seed germination is best reflected by an integrated index that takes into account the combined effect of several factors – the dryness index. In addition, the results of the analysis allowed us to conclude that the efficiency of the pollination process of female cones of P. sylvestris under yayla conditions is most likely influenced by the number of hours of sunshine. The germination energy and seed germination differ not only within the studied plantations, but also depending on the year of study. During the observation period, the forest plantations of the Ai-Petrinskaya Yayla have produced the highest quality seeds. In 2014, in the plantations with a density of 0.5, the seed germination rate was 74.5±2.2 %. The lowest level of germination energy and seed germination has been noted in artificial plantations of P. sylvestris on the Tirke Yayla; in 2012, these indicators here amounted to 15.2±0.7 and 46.2±2.1 %, respectively. In general, the development of the generative sphere of P. sylvestris in artificial plantations on the Crimean yaylas is quite effective. Based on this, a conclusion has been made that the growing conditions on the yaylas are favourable for the implementation of the initial stages of the ontogenesis of the species.