Plant Reproduction and Embryonic Development

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Development and Morphogenesis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2025 | Viewed by 6954

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza str. 59, PL-80-308 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: plant reproduction; plant embryology; ovule development; seed development; light and electron microscopy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant reproduction is one of the most fundamental processes carried out by a plant. Reproductive plant biology involves research of various interrelated phases of ontogenesis: flower organogenesis, anthesis, pollination, fertilization, seed maturation, etc. Flowering plants reproduce sexually or asexually, leading to the formation of seeds that enable them to survive to a new generation. A network of signalling and regulatory pathways are activated and finely controlled when a seed is finally formed. This Special Issue focuses on diverse aspects of plant reproduction, including apomixis and sexual plant reproduction.

This Special Issue of Plants welcomes original research papers, reviews, and other forms of scientific communication focused on the structural, genetic, biochemical, and molecular aspects of plant sexual and asexual reproductive development in many different types of plants (both in model and non-model plants).

Dr. Małgorzata Kozieradzka-Kiszkurno
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • floral induction & flower organ development
  • male & female gametogenesis: pollen
  • gametophyte
  • sporophyte
  • ovule
  • embryo
  • endosperm
  • seed
  • epigenetics and imprinting
  • plant reproduction
  • apomixis

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 4881 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Germination and Organogenesis of Endangered Neo-Endemic Baltic Dunes Species Linaria loeselii Schweigg
by Lidia Banaszczyk, Michał D. Starke, Damian Szelbracikowski, Julia Ścibior and Małgorzata Kapusta
Plants 2024, 13(17), 2461; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172461 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 531
Abstract
This study focuses on the endangered neo-endemic Baltic dunes species Linaria loeselii Schweigg. (Plantaginaceae), also known as Linaria odora (M. Bieb.). By utilizing in vitro cultures, we successfully germinated seeds collected in situ. Our method, which involved using media supplemented with 5 µmol/L [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the endangered neo-endemic Baltic dunes species Linaria loeselii Schweigg. (Plantaginaceae), also known as Linaria odora (M. Bieb.). By utilizing in vitro cultures, we successfully germinated seeds collected in situ. Our method, which involved using media supplemented with 5 µmol/L 6-benzylaminopurine, led to the indirect regeneration of shoots after 60 days of culture in the dark, significantly increasing the number of progeny plants. Additionally, the medium supplemented with 2.85 μmol/L indole-3-acetic acid and 10.2 μmol/L paclobutrazol allowed rooting after 30 days of shoot fragments. This research provides a potential basis for developing Linaria loeselii introduction programs into the environment, thereby contributing to the conservation of this endangered species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Reproduction and Embryonic Development)
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19 pages, 3746 KiB  
Article
Morphological Study on the Differentiation of Flower Buds and the Embryological Stages of Male and Female Floral Organs in Lespedeza davurica (Laxm.) Schindl. cv. JinNong (Fabaceae)
by Lirong Tong and Juan Wang
Plants 2024, 13(12), 1661; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121661 - 15 Jun 2024
Viewed by 726
Abstract
Lespedeza davurica (Laxm.) is a leguminous plant with significant ecological benefits, but its embryonic development mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the flower bud differentiation, megaspore and microspore formation, gametophyte development, and embryo and endosperm development in L. davurica. Our aim was to [...] Read more.
Lespedeza davurica (Laxm.) is a leguminous plant with significant ecological benefits, but its embryonic development mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the flower bud differentiation, megaspore and microspore formation, gametophyte development, and embryo and endosperm development in L. davurica. Our aim was to elucidate the relationship between the external morphology and internal development processes of male and female floral organs during growth, as well as the reproductive factors influencing fruiting. The results indicated that although the pistil develops later than the stamen during flower bud differentiation, both organs mature synchronously before flowering. L. davurica pollen exhibits three germination grooves, a reticulate outer wall, and papillary structures on the anther surface. In vivo pollination experiments revealed abnormal spiral growth of L. davurica pollen tubes within the style and the occurrence of callus plugs, which may reduce the seed setting rate. The anther wall development follows the dicotyledonous type, with tetrads formed through microspore meiosis exhibiting both left–right symmetry and tetrahedral arrangements. L. davurica has a single ovule, and the embryo sac develops in the monosporic polygonum type. After dormancy, the zygote undergoes multiple divisions, progressing through spherical, heart-shaped, and torpedo-shaped embryo stages, culminating in a mature embryo. A mature seed comprises cotyledons, hypocotyl, embryo, radicle, and seed coat. Phylogenetic tree analysis reveals a close genetic relationship between L. davurica and other leguminous plants from the genera Lespedeza and Medicago. This study provides valuable insights into the regulation of flowering and hybrid breeding in leguminous plants and offers a new perspective on the development of floral organs and seed setting rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Reproduction and Embryonic Development)
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22 pages, 2854 KiB  
Article
Pollinator Diversity and Phenological Interplay: Exploring Mineral, Hormonal, Sugar, and Vitamin Contents in Vitis vinifera L. cv Bozcaada Çavuşu
by Ozkan Kaya, Hava Delavar, Fadime Ates, Muge Sahin, Nurhan Keskin, Turhan Yilmaz, Metin Turan and Harlene Hatterman-Valenti
Plants 2024, 13(12), 1612; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13121612 - 11 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1069
Abstract
Unraveling the intricate physiological and biochemical intricacies associated with female dominance in grape berries across diverse developmental stages is imperative for optimizing grape production and ensuring the attainment of high-quality yields. This study conducted a thorough analysis of grape berries across phenological stages [...] Read more.
Unraveling the intricate physiological and biochemical intricacies associated with female dominance in grape berries across diverse developmental stages is imperative for optimizing grape production and ensuring the attainment of high-quality yields. This study conducted a thorough analysis of grape berries across phenological stages (BBCH-79, BBCH-81, BBCH-89) and cultivars. At BBCH-89, Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki demonstrated the highest berry weight and total soluble solids (TSS) levels, emphasizing its enological potential. Acidity peaked at BBCH-79 (28.16) and declined at BBCH-89 (6.11), signaling a shift towards lower acidity in later stages. Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki consistently showed the highest maturity index (MI). Mineral content variations were observed across nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), with Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki often having the highest concentrations, particularly in potassium, calcium, and boron. Hormonal analysis revealed a significant surge in concentrations at BBCH-89, with Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki standing out. Notably, Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations increased by 106%, and abscisic acid (ABA) levels peaked at BBCH-79 with a 38% increase in Bozcaada Çavuşu*Kuntra. Sugar content analysis showed variations in fructose, glucose, sucrose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose levels across sampling times and cultivars. Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki consistently exhibited higher sugar levels, especially at BBCH-81 and BBCH-89. Vitamin concentrations varied temporally and among cultivars, with BBCH-89 displaying the highest vitamin A concentration (6.24 mg/100 g FW), and Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki often exhibiting maximum values for vitamin B1, B2, B6, and C. Further research and targeted cultivation practices focusing on the unique attributes of Bozcaada Çavuşu*Vasilâki could enhance grape production efficiency, emphasizing its potential contribution to achieving consistently high-quality yields across various phenological stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Reproduction and Embryonic Development)
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21 pages, 5542 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Association Study of Seed Morphology Traits in Senegalese Sorghum Cultivars
by Ezekiel Ahn, Jacob Botkin, Vishnutej Ellur, Yoonjung Lee, Kabita Poudel, Louis K. Prom and Clint Magill
Plants 2023, 12(12), 2344; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12122344 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2087
Abstract
Sorghum is considered the fifth most important crop in the world. Despite the potential value of Senegalese germplasm for various traits, such as resistance to fungal diseases, there is limited information on the study of sorghum seed morphology. In this study, 162 Senegalese [...] Read more.
Sorghum is considered the fifth most important crop in the world. Despite the potential value of Senegalese germplasm for various traits, such as resistance to fungal diseases, there is limited information on the study of sorghum seed morphology. In this study, 162 Senegalese germplasms were evaluated for seed area size, length, width, length-to-width ratio, perimeter, circularity, the distance between the intersection of length & width (IS) and center of gravity (CG), and seed darkness and brightness by scanning and analyzing morphology-related traits with SmartGrain software at the USDA-ARS Plant Science Research Unit. Correlations between seed morphology-related traits and traits associated with anthracnose and head smut resistance were analyzed. Lastly, genome-wide association studies were performed on phenotypic data collected from over 16,000 seeds and 193,727 publicly available single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Several significant SNPs were found and mapped to the reference sorghum genome to uncover multiple candidate genes potentially associated with seed morphology. The results indicate clear correlations among seed morphology-related traits and potential associations between seed morphology and the defense response of sorghum. GWAS analysis listed candidate genes associated with seed morphologies that can be used for sorghum breeding in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Reproduction and Embryonic Development)
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16 pages, 2149 KiB  
Article
Efficient Somatic Embryogenesis, Regeneration and Acclimatization of Panax ginseng Meyer: True-to-Type Conformity of Plantlets as Confirmed by ISSR Analysis
by Jung-Woo Lee, Jang-Uk Kim, Kyong-Hwan Bang, Nayeong Kwon, Young-Chang Kim, Ick-Hyun Jo and Young-Doo Park
Plants 2023, 12(6), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061270 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1864
Abstract
Panax ginseng Meyer grows in east Russia and Asia. There is a high demand for this crop due to its medicinal properties. However, its low reproductive efficiency has been a hindrance to the crop’s widespread use. This study aims to establish an efficient [...] Read more.
Panax ginseng Meyer grows in east Russia and Asia. There is a high demand for this crop due to its medicinal properties. However, its low reproductive efficiency has been a hindrance to the crop’s widespread use. This study aims to establish an efficient regeneration and acclimatization system for the crop. The type of basal media and strength were evaluated for their effects on somatic embryogenesis, germination, and regeneration. The highest rate of somatic embryogenesis was achieved for the basal media MS, N6, and GD, with the optimal nitrogen content (≥35 mM) and NH4+/NO3 ratio (1:2 or 1:4). The full-strength MS medium was the best one for somatic embryo induction. However, the diluted MS medium had a more positive effect on embryo maturation. Additionally, the basal media affected shooting, rooting, and plantlet formation. The germination medium containing 1/2 MS facilitated good shoot development; however, the medium with 1/2 SH yielded outstanding root development. In vitro-grown roots were successfully transferred to soil, and they exhibited a high survival rate (86.3%). Finally, the ISSR marker analysis demonstrated that the regenerated plants were not different from the control. The obtained results provide valuable information for a more efficient micropropagation of various P. ginseng cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Reproduction and Embryonic Development)
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