Contrast of caryopsis nutrient transport tissues in maize, sorghum and wheat

• 1、Bioscience and Biotechnology School, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009

Abstract：Maize, sorghum and wheat caryopsis nutrient transport tissues were compared and observed under different microscopes and scanning electron microscope. The results as follows: (1) The maize caryopsis vascular bundle was more advanced than sorghum and wheat. (2) Maize and sorghum caryopses had placentochalaza, while wheat caryopsis had chalaza and nucellar projection transfer cells; wheat and sorghum caryopses had obvious apoplastic cavity. (3) Wall ingrowths of endosperm transfer cells were many in maize, fewer in sorghum and much fewer in wheat; maize and sorghum endosperm transfer cells almost accumulated no nutrients, while the outmost layer of wheat endosperm transfer cells accumulated aleurone granules and the inner layers accumulated starch granules. (4) Endosperm conducting cells were long and many in maize, shorter and fewer in sorghum and much shorter and fewer in wheat; endosperm conducting cells degenerated slower in maize and sorghum than in wheat. (5) Embryo surrounding region cells degenerated slower in maize and sorghum than in wheat. According to the results above, it is concluded: (1) Nutrients getting into maize, sorghum and wheat caryopses get through maternal transport tissues, apoplastic cavity and endosperm transport tissues, and finally get into embryo and starch endosperm. (2) The caryopsis vascular bundle, endosperm transfer cells and endosperm conducting cells in maize are much more advanced than in sorghum and wheat. It is speculated that maize caryopsis has stronger transport ability than sorghum and wheat caryopsis.

Keywords： maize sorghum wheat caryopsis nutrient transport tissues