Floral and reproductive biology of Surinam cherry trees with pyrenic and apyrenic fruits

Abstract

Abstract: Surinam cherry tree (Eugenia uniflora) is native to Brazil, but it is found in several subtropical countries of Latin America. Its fruit has different berries according to the maturation stage and variety. However, a genotype may have greater market potential, especially if intended for processing, as it produces seedless fruits. The aim of this study was to characterize the floral and reproductive biology of a E. uniflora apyrenic genotype, comparing possible differences with a pyrenic genotype. Works were carried at UTFPR – Câmpus of Dois Vizinhos, Brazil and EEAD (CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain. The period between the beginning of flowering and fruit maturation, anthesis time, quantification of the number of anthers per flower, pollen per anther, pollen grain development, and in vitropollen germination were evaluated. The pyrenic Surinam cherry genotype has higher number of anthers per flower, pollen per anther and pollen per flower. The in vitro viability of pollen grains was greater with flowers after anthesis and when longer incubation periods were used. Under natural conditions, pollen grain germination and pollen tube growth occur normally, with no self-incompatibility.

Keywords

• Eugenia uniflora
• Myrtaceae
• Seedless fruit
• Pollen viability