Palynomorphological diversity among the Asteraceous honeybee flora: An aid to the correct taxonomic identification using multiple microscopic techniques

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the palynological morphology of melliferous species of family Asteraceae belonged to seven tribes which were categorized into 15 genera and were studied under light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, and described qualitatively. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis. The species were analyzed considering 11 quantitative pollen characteristics. The study revealed that the pollen grains are circular, triangular, angular, semi‐angular, quadrangular, pentagonal and hexagonal amb, and 3‐colporate or 3‐colpate. The size of the pollen is variable among the species, ranged from 56.1 to 23.2 μm. Three pollen types: oblate spheroidal (eight species), prolate spheroidal (six species), and suboblate (two species) were observed. The surface pattern of the exine varies from echinoperforate, echinate, echinate microperforate, fenestrate, echinoperforate reticulate, microreticulate, echinate perforate, tectate, and scabrate. Exine thickness was calculated minimum in Cichorium intybus (2.47 μm) and maximum in Taraxacum campylodes (5.15 μm). A key to studied bee floral species, based on the morphological features of pollen grains, is also provided. The palynomorphological characters here analyzed can be potentially used to correctly identify the Asteraceous honeybee floral species most commonly plants visited by honeybees in the study area.

Implication of scanning electron microscopy as a tool for identification of novel, nonedible oil seeds for biodiesel production

“…Micromophological characteristics, oil content, FFA content, and biodiesel potential of these nonedible oil yielding seeds have been displayed in Table 1. Whereas, photographs of selected plant species and seeds along with their SEM micrographs have been shown in Figures 1a-d (Ahmad, Samuel, et al, 2011;Gupta, Bhaskar & Andola, 2011;Nabila et al, 2021;Raza et al, 2020;Shah et al, 2013). Classification in the modern synthetic systems and evolutionary study of angiosperm plants relies on ultrastructural and micromophological study of seeds which serves as a valid source of information in this regard (Fatima et al, 2018;Mokbli et al, 2018;Rashid et al, 2018).…”

“…A great distinctive variation was observed among these micromophological characteristics, seed sizes, and shapes which can serve as valid pointers for recognition of particular taxa. SEM is one the most dependable and advanced techniques of the present time which can intensely help in resolving various taxonomical issues related to seeds identification and classification (Ahmad, Samuel, et al, 2011; Gupta, Bhaskar & Andola, 2011; Nabila et al, 2021; Raza et al, 2020; Shah et al, 2013). Classification in the modern synthetic systems and evolutionary study of angiosperm plants relies on ultrastructural and micromophological study of seeds which serves as a valid source of information in this regard (Fatima et al, 2018; Mokbli et al, 2018; Rashid et al, 2018).…”

Pollen morphology and its taxonomic potential in some selected taxa of Caesalpiniaceae observed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy

“…and Cassia L. belonging to subfamily Caesalpiniaceae are symmetrical, trizonocolporate, isopolar, and the shape varies from oblate spheroidal to prolate (Mishra & Srivastava, 2015). Moreover, the advanced techniques of LM and SEM can not only play a key role in this field to observe the ultrastructure of plant material (Ali et al, 2021;Ashfaq et al, 2020;Bahadur et al, 2020;Butt et al, 2021;Gul et al, 2019Gul et al, , 2021 but also in other filed of biological sciences (Hameed et al, 2021;Javed et al, 2021;Nabila et al, 2021;Rasool et al, 2021;Rubab et al, 2020Rubab et al, , 2021. and Lakki Marwat (Figures 1 and 2; Table 1). F I G U R E 2 Flower pictures of studied species of Caesalpiniaceae (a) Bauhinia variegata, (b) Caesalpinia pulcherrima, (c) Delonix regia (d) Parkinsonia aculeata, (e) Saraca indica, (f) Senna corymbosa, (g) Senna obtusifolia, (h) Senna occedantalis, (i) Senna surattensis, and (j) Cassia fistula LM of pollen was carried out in the anatomy lab.…”

“…and Cassia L. belonging to subfamily Caesalpiniaceae are symmetrical, trizonocolporate, isopolar, and the shape varies from oblate spheroidal to prolate (Mishra & Srivastava, 2015). Moreover, the advanced techniques of LM and SEM can not only play a key role in this field to observe the ultrastructure of plant material (Ali et al, 2021; Ashfaq et al, 2020; Bahadur et al, 2020; Butt et al, 2021; Gul et al, 2019, 2021) but also in other filed of biological sciences (Hameed et al, 2021; Javed et al, 2021; Nabila et al, 2021; Rasool et al, 2021; Rubab et al, 2020, 2021).…”

Toxicological effects of the chemical and green ZnO NPs on Cyprinus carpio L. observed under light and scanning electron microscopy

“…Seaweed Sargassum myriocystum (microalgae) is used for the synthesis of ZnO NPs (Zafar et al, 2020). Furthermore, light microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transmission infrared radiation (FTIR) techniques have not only significant role in the characterization of nanoparticles but can also be used to analyze the fine detail of plant material (Ali et al, 2021;Ashfaq et al, 2020;Bahadur et al, 2020;Butt et al, 2021;Gul et al, 2019Gul et al, , 2021Shuaib, Bahadur, & Hussain, 2020;Rubab et al, 2020) and in other field of the diverse biological research as well (Hameed et al, 2021;Javed et al, 2021;Nabila et al, 2021;Rubab et al, 2021).…”