Seed-producing System in Salvias

Abstract

The seed-producing system of salvias (Salvia splendens Sello) was investigated. The number of florets opening per day per plant increased with the increase in days from anthesis. Pollinators that effectively worked were small-sized insects. High pollen viability was observed on the stigmatic surface, and pollen tubes reached the ovules within 3 hours after pollination. Fertilized ovules became mature seeds within 25 days after fertilization. Pollination within 1 day after opening of florets resulted in a high percentage of seed setting. The pollen-ovule ratios indicated that salvias were facultative xenogamous. Actually, the salvias had heterostyle florets and the ability to set seeds without pollinators.