In: Phyton 58, Fasc. 2 (2018): S. 135-138 DOI: 10.12905/0380.phyton58(2)-2018-0135 Published online on 21st December 2018

Published online on 21st December 2018

Double fertilization in Zephyranthes candida, with special notes on the second fertilization and the behavior of the primary endosperm nucleus

Chengqi Ao

Key words: Double fertilization, polar nuclei, primary endosperm nucleus, secondary nucleus, Zephyranthes candida

Summary
Ao C.-Q. 2018. Double fertilization in Zephyranthes candida, with special notes on the second fertilization and the behavior of the primary endosperm nucleus. – Phyton 58 (2): 135–138, with 2 figures.*


Zephyranthes candida (Lindl.) Herb., a perennial forb in Amaryllidaceae, is widely cultivated in China because of its great horticultural values. Prior to maturation of embryo sacs, two polar nuclei fuse into a secondary nucleus, which is usually settled at the chalazal end. Double fertilization initiated by hand-pollination was investigated, using a conventional paraffin section method, and is described here, with emphasis on the second fertilization viz. fusion of the second sperm cell with the secondary nucleus. The behavior of the fertilized secondary nucleus (the primary endosperm nucleus) and its significance are also discussed.