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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2007; 9(1): 93-100
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924287
Research Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Nectar Resorption and Translocation in Cucurbita pepo L. and Platanthera chlorantha Custer (Rchb.)

M. Nepi1 , M. Stpiczyńska2
  • 1Department of Environmental Sciences “G. Sarfatti”, Botany Section, Siena University, via PA Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
  • 2Department of Botany, Lublin Agricultural University, ul. Akademicka 15, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Further Information

Publication History

Received: March 2, 2006

Accepted: May 11, 2006

Publication Date:
01 August 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Nectar resorption and sugar translocation were studied in Cucurbita pepo (Cucurbitaceae) and Platanthera chlorantha (Orchidaceae) by micro-autoradiography. In both species, nectar was resorbed in pollinated and unpollinated flowers and ovules developing into seeds were found to be the main sugar sink. In C. pepo, the mobility of resorbed sugars in pollinated female flowers was higher than in unpollinated ones; male flowers showed lower mobility of resorbed sugar. In P. chlorantha, radioactivity was detected in pollinated flowers below and above labelled unpollinated ones: the nearer the flower, the stronger the accumulation of label in developing fruits.

Key words

Cucurbita pepo - Platanthera chlorantha - floral nectary - pollination - nectar resorption - micro-autoradiography.

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M. Nepi

Department of Environmental Sciences “G. Sarfatti”
Botany Section
Siena University

via PA Mattioli 4

53100 Siena

Italy

Email: nepim@unisi.it

Editor: A. Weber

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