Anatomy and vasculature of the floral nectaries of Brassica napus (Brassicaceae)

Abstract

The floral nectaries of Brassica napus L. (Argentine or Swede rape) consist of two pairs of glands which are supplied by phloem only. The lateral pair has an extensive phloem supply and produces most of the flowers' nectar, whereas the median pair is supplied by limited phloem and produces relatively little nectar. Because both lateral and median nectaries contain cells exhibiting similar structural features, the disparity in phloem supply between them could account for the observed difference in nectar production. Ultrastructural evidence suggests an energy-requiring, eccrine mechanism of nectar secretion in Brassica napus. Both apoplastic and symplastic routes for nectar movement and escape appear feasible. Stomata on the nectary surfaces may serve as exits.