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Title: THE GLYCINE MAX FLORAL NECTARY: A SMALL BUT FASCINATING SECRETORY ORGAN

Author
item HORNER, H - ISU
item HEALY, R - ISU
item Palmer, Reid

Submitted to: Iowa Academy of Science Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2003
Publication Date: 1/24/2003
Citation: HORNER, H.T., HEALY, R.A., PALMER, R.G. THE GLYCINE MAX FLORAL NECTARY: A SMALL BUT FASCINATING SECRETORY ORGAN. IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE MEETING. 2003. Abstract No. 12.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The soybean floral nectary, as seen by light and scanning electron microscopy, is a small discoid mound that forms between the bases of the central hairy gynoecium and the stamen ring. The nectary exists for a very short time, forming just before flower opening and collapsing after flower opening. The nectary epidermis contains a large number of guard cells, most of which occur on its ridge and on the slope toward the gynoecium. After the nectary enlarges to its maximum size, the guard cells display either open or occluded pores. Initially, small beads of material are seen around some of the open pores, followed by an extrusion of these beads as chains over the nectary epidermis. The appearance of these beads coincides with the degeneration of cells inside the nectary, which signals the beginning of the collapse of the nectary. This process continues until the nectary is completely collapsed and results in a shriveled mound of cells with only the prominent guard cells remaining intact. The beads represent a non-water-soluble product of unknown composition. In addition, there are three types of trichomes on the gynoecium surface, one of which is secretory and appears active at the same time of nectary secretion. These observations suggest that the nectar consists of a variety of compounds, in addition to the typical soluble simple sugars.