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Abstract : |
This study aims to explore the relationship between cytology and palynology relationship between the species under consideration. Pollen morphology and cytology of three species (Solanum forsskalii, S. macracanthum and S. glabrata var. sepicula) of genus Solanum of the family Solanaceae from Saudi Arabia has been investigated by using Light Microscope (LM) and electron microscope (SEM and TEM). Pollen grains are generally radially symmetrical, isopolar, tricolporates, zonoaperturates, prolate and with non perforate tectum. Tecta scabrate often punctuate. The dimensions of the pollen of the three species vary according to polar and equatorial axis. On the other hand according to pollen shape, two distinct pollen types are recognized, prolate-subprolate for Solanum forsskalii and S. macracanthum and prolate-spheroidal for S. glabrata var. sepicula. In addition, on the basis of exine columella, three types are recognized, viz., S. glabrata var. sepicula (regularly columellate), S. forsskalii (less and irregular columellate) and Solanum macracanthum (columella indistinct). It is obviously that solanaceae is considered an europalynous family. Chromosomal characters of the three species provides that Solanum forsskalii and S. glabrata var. sepicula are cytologically stable and higher pollen fertility (80-90%) while Solanum macracanthum shows irregular meiosis and less pollen fertility (35%). The Pollen fertility and cross-pollination between the studdied species were also discussed. These data could furnish adequate information that support the relation characters between the species., |
