Abstract
Amygdalus nana L. (Dwarf Russian Almond) a well-known ornamental plant is endangered in its natural habitats on the territory of Slovakia. Using methods of cytology and embryology, the stages of reproductive cycle of the species were clarified. Especially the development of the male and female reproductive organs, processes of the fertilization and formation of the embryo were studied. The reduction of reproductive potential was caused by synergic influence of negative biotic and abiotic factors. Despite the presence of degenerated, misshapen pollen grains and a great variability in shape and size, a sufficient amount of normally developed viable pollen grains originated within the species Amygdalus nana. We did not observe serious disturbances during megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis, the reduction in fruit set was caused by the degeneration of ovules after unsuccessful pollination (unfavourable conditions during the flowering period) and after unsuccessful seed development, caused mainly by damages of reproductive organs by pests.
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Chudíková, R., Ďurišová, Ľ., Baranec, T. et al. Cytological and histological studies on male and female gametophyte of endangered species Amygdalus nana in Slovakia. Biologia 66, 783–789 (2011). https://doi.org/10.2478/s11756-011-0085-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s11756-011-0085-3