Ananas ananassoides (Baker) L.B.Sm. a bromeliad from the savanna: seed morpho-anatomy and histochemistry

Abstract

Ananas ananassoides (Baker) L.B.Sm. is a wild pineapple, commonly found in the savannas. This study aimed to describe the morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of its seed. The observations were made in the longitudinal and transverse sections, using an optical microscope. The cell arrangement in the seed coat, ripples in the integument, the ratio of embryo size and endosperm amount, and the number of strata in the aleurone layer are anatomical characteristics that may contribute to distinguishing this species. The starch in the endosperm, lipids and proteins in the embryo, constitute the seed's main nutritional reserves. The homogeneous embryo and phenolic compounds present in the seed coat and in the aleurone layer possibly contribute to the dormancy in this species. This study presents information relevant to the taxonomy and physiology of A. ananassoides, which represents contributions to the global knowledge of this species with a high potential as ornamental.

In vitro germination and reserve mobilization of Vriesea friburgensis Mez

“…According to Sabelli and Larkins (2009), upon seed imbibition, aleurone cells activate a gene expression program that results in the synthesis of proteolytic and hydrolytic enzymes, which cause digestion of cell walls and mobilization of proteins and starch stored in the cytoplasm of endosperm cells. The presence of the aleurone layer in bromeliad seeds has been previously reported (Cecchifiordi et al, 2001;Corredor-Prado et al, 2014;Lidueña-Peréz et al, 2022;Magalhães and Mariath 2012;Martelo-Solorzano et al, 2022). Therefore, the alteration of the protein bodies of the aleurone layer in V. friburgensis during imbibition would be related to the beginning of its activity.…”

“…Therefore, the chemical composition of seeds and the deposition and mobilization of reserves influence their germination and vigor, constituting fundamental information for seed production technology (Bewley et al, 2013). Despite this, the study of germination and seedling establishment are aspects that have been little studied or are not sufficiently detailed in bromeliads, especially in aspects related to anatomy and histochemistry (Chilpa-Galván et al, 2018;Kowalski et al, 2021;Lidueña-Peréz et al, 2022;Pereira et al, 2008). Most of the existing works refer to morphological aspects (Chilpa-Galván et al, 2018;Martelo-Solorzano et al, 2022;Pereira et al, 2008Pereira et al, , 2009Scatena et al, 2006;Silva et al, 2021;Silva and Scatena 2011;Tillich, 2007), and a few include anatomical analyses.…”