Micromorphology of the floral elements, the structure of the nectary, and the apicultural value of Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb.

Abstract

The investigations were carried out using light and scanning electron microscopy. The flowers of Elaeagnus commutata grow in clusters of 1-4 in the leaf axils. They are actinomorphic, four-lobed, with a single perianth that is yellow from the adaxial side, while the abaxial side is silvery-white. Peltate hairs of different structure are found on both surfaces of the sepals. The conical epidermal cells of the lobes are covered with a thick striated cuticle. Cylindrical hairs were observed on the edges of the lobes. Peltate hairs also grew on the style. The dish-shaped nectary gland is located at the base of the style. Nectar is secreted through numerous, evenly distributed stomata located above or at the level of other epidermal cells. Different stages of stomatal development are evidence of the asynchronous functioning of the stomata. The nectary consists of small epidermal cells and 5-6 layers of secretory parenchyma. The deeper layers of the gland are composed of larger cells of subglandular parenchyma in which vascular bundles supplying the nectary run. Honey bees were the main pollinators of silverberry. Ten silverberry flowers produced an average of 12 g of nectar with a sugar concentration in the 29.5-34.5% range. The weight of pollen produced by 10 flowers was 3.33 mg.