Seed development in Ricinus communis (castor bean). I. Descriptive morphology

Abstract

The morphology of developing Ricinus communis L. cv. Hale seed was studied from fertilization to quiescence, a period of approximately 60 days under the growth conditions used. Fresh and dry weights and dimensions of the whole seed, endosperm, and embryo were also determined. The development of castor bean seed has been divided into 10 stages of approximately equal duration. We have constructed a morphological timetable which allows for the consistent and repeatable selection of seeds at each of the aforementioned stages.