Meiotic behavior and diploidy in Schinus terebinthifolia (Anacardiaceae)

Abstract The genus Schinus (Anacardiaceae) comprises 30 species found in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil. terebinthifolia (Brazilian pepper tree) is socioeconomically important the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Dried fruit used as a pepper-like spice natural populations are exploited. Studies on meiotic behavior pollen stainability from an ecological evolutionary point view essential, since they can promote future sustainable management strategies for this species. objective was to evaluate characteristics grains individuals population S. localized municipality Vitória, Santo state, Young anthers were squashed 1% acetocarmine dye obtain mother cells. with acetocarmine, Lugol’s iodine solution Sudan IV shape assess potential viability, cytochemistry morphology. All had gametic number n = 7, regular so somatic 2n 2x 14 chromosomes. Median 94%. Pollen dispersed monads, 3 - colporate subspheroidal. exine has striate-reticulate ornamentation. starch positive lipid negative. This first report occurrence diploidy high result meiosis. presence reserve increase resistance hostile environments