Floral nectary structure, nectar presentation and morpho-anatomical analysis of male‐fertile and male‐sterile anthers in onion (Allium cepa, Amaryllidaceae)

Background and aims: The onion (Allium cepa var. cepa) is an allogamous species in which male-sterile lines have been developed. However, the structure of flower floral nectaries only briefly described. objective this study to update anatomy data, comparing gynoecium androecium male-fertile lines, analyze three-dimensional nectary. M&M: Conventional optical scanning electron microscopy techniques were used. Results: Fertile sterile male flowers same structural organization. septal or gynopleural nectary organized three zones: 1) production area formed by glandular tissue arranged radially septa ovary, 2) discharge zone: a small channel at apex connects nectariferous with pocket between ovary wall overlying ridge, 3) presentation harvest zone, where excreted nectar accumulates, widened base inner staminal filaments opposite ovary. Conclusions: anatomical differences are lack pollen absence dehiscence, despite having normal stomium anther wall. clear example secondary nectar.