Effect of Phytogametocidal Compounds on The Development of Endothecium in Some Plants

Abstract

Observation on ontogeny of anthers in Capsicum annuum, Datura alba, Ranunculus muricatus, Cucurbita maxima and Sesamum indicum plants treated with some gametocidal compounds indicated that tapetum is not only concerned with the nutrition of the developing pollen grains but controls the development of characteristic fibrous thickenings within the cells of endothecium. Evidence in support of this proposition stems from the observations that in partial or complete male-sterile plants treated with three gametocides, malformation of tapetum may be related with inhibition of endothecial development.