FURTHER OBSERVATION ON TAPETUM AND POLLEN DEVELOPMENT IN WATERMELON

Tapetum in watermelon is a layer of homogenous and glandular cells.Tapetal cells are very similar in appearance to cells of other anther layers at first, but gradually differentiate after microspore mother cells begin meiotic division.Microspores form a reticular protectum and columnar probacules as they are still encased in callose. Cellulosic walls of microspore mother cells become disappeared during tetrad stage.Pollens get mature at 2-celled stage.Generative cell has a streamlined shape.Vegetative cell contains copious starch and lipid.It is clear that there is a close connection between generative cell and vegetative nucleus.