Characterization of male and female gametophyte development in Anthemis haussknechtii Boiss. & Reut

In this research, the embryological characteristics of Anthemis haussknechtii were investigated. This study aimed to characterize the reproductive features of A. haussknechtii to find unique embryological characteristics. Light and fluorescence microscopes were used to examine different developmental stages. According to the results, the anther was tetrasporangiate and its wall development followed the dicotyledonous type. Young anther walls were composed of the epidermis, endothecium, middle layer, and tapetum from the outside to the inside. The tapetum layer was secretory. Tetrads of microspores were tetrahedral and tetragonal. Pollen grains were two-celled, triporate, and echinate when they shed. The ovule was of anatropous, unitegmic, and tenuinucellate type. Endothelium was composed of one row of cells. The micropylar megaspore developed into an eight-nucleate embryo sac with the pattern of Polygonum type. The tapetum type, mature pollen grain, and embryonic sac were different from the studied species of Anthemis. These results revealed valuable developmental features that could be used to differentiate this species from other members of the Asteraceae family.