Secretion and composition of nectar and the structure of perigonal nectaries in Fritillaria meleagris L. (Liliaceae)

Abstract

The structure of perigonal nectaries, nectar production and carbohydrate composition were compared at various stages in the lifespan of the flower of Fritillaria meleagris L. The six nectaries each occupied a groove that is located 2-4 mm above the tepal base. The average nectary measured 11.0 mm long and 1.0-1.2 mm wide. The structure of nectaries situated on both inner and outer tepal whorls was identical, and at anthesis they were equally accessible to potential pollinators. However, secretion from nectaries associated with inner tepals tended to exceed that produced by nectaries located on the outer tepals. On average, regardless of flower stage, one flower secreted 10.87 ± 12.98 mg of nectar (mean and SD; N = 182). The nectar concentration ranged between 3 and 75%, with average concentration of sugars exceeding 50%. Both nectar production and concentration were dependent on the stage of anthesis, with the highest scores being recorded during full anthesis (21.75 ± 16.08 mg; 70.5%, mass and concentration, respectively) and the lowest at the end of anthesis (1.32 ± 2.69 mg; 16.9%, mass and concentration, respectively). A decline in both mass of nectar secreted and nectar concentration during the final stage of anthesis indicates nectar resorption. Nectar was composed of sucrose, glucose and fructose in approx. equal quantities, and its composition did not change significantly during subsequent stages of flowering. The nectaries comprised a single-layered secretory epidermis and several layers of subepidermal parenchyma. The nectariferous cells did not accumulate starch during any of the investigated stages. The nectary was supplied with one large and several smaller vascular bundles comprising xylem and phloem. Transport of assimilates and nectar secretion by protoplasts of secretory cells (and probably also nectar resorption) were facilitated by cell wall ingrowths present on the tangential walls of epidermal cells and subepidermal parenchyma. Epidermal cells lacked stomata. Nectar passed across the cell wall and through the cuticle which was clearly perforated with pores.

Fritillaria Meleagroides in Romania

“…This would be another important criterion for distinction between the two species. However, this criterion is not quite sure, since according to Stpiczyńska et al (2012), at F. meleagris, nectaries are of 9.12 -14.43 mm long (11 mm, on average) and according to our data, at F. meleagroides, nectaries are rather variable in length and narrower (12-18 × 1-1.5 mm).…”

Transfer cells in trichomatous nectary in Adenocalymma magnificum (Bignoniaceae)

“…Due to the functionality promoted by ingrowths, it is common to find them in secretory cells. Several studies of nectaries have reported the presence of these cells, e.g., perigonal nectaries of Fritillary (Stpiczyńska et al 2012) and septal nectaries of Tillandsia (Fiordi and Panandri 1982), Gasteria, Aloe (Schnepf and Pross 1976), Strelitzia (Kronestedt-Robards and Robards 1987) and at the nectariferous parenchyma of Eccremocarpus scarber from Bignoniaceae (Belmonte et al 1994).…”

“…It was also seen that, concomitantly with the nectar secretion, lipophilic compounds occur, classified as heterogeneous secretion, with two types of release -eccrine and granulocrine. The production of lipophilic compounds is generated from a high energy outflow of the plant (Nicolson and Thornburg 2007), justifying the presence of the ingrowths in the cell wall, and producing specialized cells (Stpiczyńska et al 2012). …”

Does Oeceoclades maculata (Orchidaceae) reabsorb nectar?

“…The flowers of some species can reabsorb nectar (Nicolson 1995;Koopowitz and Marchant 1998;Nepi et al 2001;Luyt and Johnson 2002;Agostini et al 2011;Stpiczyńska et al 2012) and this is seen as part of a resource-recovery strategy and a means of maintaining homesostasis in the nectary. This phenomenon is characterized by a simultaneous decrease in volume and increase in concentration (Nepi and Stpiczyńska 2008).…”