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Abstract Detail



Anatomy and Morphology

WIENS, Daniel J. [1], DAVIS, ARTHUR RALPH [2].

Comparative structure and function of the extrafloral nectaries on stipules of Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae) cultivars.

Exposed droplets of nectar on vegetative surfaces can play a significant ecological role by attracting beneficial insects such as predatory and parasitic wasps, plus ants, which otherwise are challenged physically to reach floral nectar in many instances. However, production of extrafloral nectar is uncommon in plant species of agricultural importance. Here, we explored potential differences in extrafloral nectary (EFN) structure (light and scanning electron microscopy), nectar yields (wicks, microcapillaries, refractometry), and nectar-carbohydrate composition (HPLC analysis) in growth-chamber studies of four cultivars of faba bean (Vicia faba) obtained from our institution’s Crop Development Centre. Our primary goal was to determine whether cultivars of this agricultural species vary substantially in the structure and function of their EFNs. Each stipular EFN possessed multicellular secretory trichomes (4-8 head cells above a stalk and basal cell) and interspersed, elongate, non-secretory trichomes often extending beyond the height of the former. EFNs varied significantly in their average area, as well as the definition of their boundaries. And whereas mean total trichome density varied little and exceeded 1,000 hairs per square mm, the proportions of secretory to non-secretory trichomes were extremely variable, EFNs sometimes completely lacking the non-secretory hairs. Extrafloral nectar consistently was dominated by hexoses (glucose, fructose), whereas the volumes and carbohydrate quantities of extrafloral nectar per stipule varied significantly among cultivars. Accordingly, these studies suggest that the ecological role of EFNs in this species of agricultural settings may be cultivar dependent, and warrants investigation in the field.


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1 - University of Saskatchewan, Biology, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada
2 - UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN, Department Of Biology, 112 Science Place, SASKATOON, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada

Keywords:
cultivar
extrafloral nectary
nectar characteristics
stipule
Trichome
Vicia faba.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Anatomy and Morphology
Location: Exhibit Hall/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PAM009
Abstract ID:535
Candidate for Awards:None


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