Vol. 74 No: 3

Title:
Changes in growth, water content and protein reflect embryo development in pecan (Carya illinoinensis)

Authors:
BEN JEYARETNAM, AMNON LEVI, SHARAD C. PHATAK and HAZEL Y. WETZSTEIN

pp: 315-320

Abstract:
The morphology, fresh and dry weights, and water content of pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) embryos were studied for three years, and soluble and insoluble protein profiles characterized in trees grown in the southeastern United States (Watkinsville, GA). Embryo development was divided into histodifferentiation, cotyledon (Cot), maturation (Mat), and post-abscission (PA) phases. Embryos became macroscopically visible at 97 d post pollination (DPP), and developed through Cot and Mat stages for 20 and 32 d, respectively. Embryo fresh and dry weights increased rapidly during Cot and Mat, and ceased upon ovule abscission. Water content declined during the same development period, with sharp declines during Mat and PA. The Cot stage was associated with expression of soluble proteins and later stages with insoluble proteins. Seasonal variations in embryo development were documented over the three year period. Percent water content and protein profiles were found to be useful in characterizing and defining the relative age of embryos during pecan development and were more reliable that chronological staging.

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