The structure of the ovary epidermis emitting odorous compounds in Allium karataviense Regel

Abstract

Many plants develop in the petal epidermis papillae emitting essential oils. In species of the genus Allium, papillae occur in the ovary epidermis. The aim of this study was to determine the structure of papillae in Allium karataviense Regel and to perform histochemical tests that would allow the components of their secretion to be investigated, mainly the presence of essential oils. Examination was performed using light and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that in conical papillae, with a height of about 83 μm, there were large cell nuclei, a thick outer wall with a layer of striated cuticle, and a varying degree of cell vacuolation, depending on the age of the ovary. Using histochemical reactions, we demonstrated neutral lipids, acid lipids and pectins to occur in the papillae. Neutral lipids are characteristic of essential oils.

Keywords

• Allium L.
• ovary
• epidermis
• micromorphology
• structure
• histochemistry