Embryo development of orchids
Journal
Orchid Biotechnology
Pages
23-43
ISBN
9789812775900; 9812706194; 9789812706195
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
The pattern of orchid embryo development is unique among flowering plants. The minute size of the embryos, lack of cotyledon, absence of an endosperm, the varied suspensor morphology, and the simple seed coat structure are some of the unique features of orchid seeds. This chapter summarizes the recent observations on the structural and physiological aspects of orchid embryo development using a few case histories, i.e. Cypripedium formosanum, Calanthe tricarinata and Phalaenopsis amabilis var. formosa. The unique features of orchid embryo development such as: 1) the lack of a clear histodifferentiation pattern; 2) presence of a cuticle over the embryo proper; 3) absence of a cuticle in the suspensor cell wall; 4) a suspensor having a transfer cell morphology; and 5) accumulation of high levels of ABA in mature seeds of some terrestrial species are discussed. A comprehensive understanding of the structural and physiological changes during the orchid embryo development will facilitate successful micropropagation of orchids.
SDGs
Publisher
World Scientific Publishing Co.
Type
book part