A study of Anther development in Azalea alexander L.

Azalea alexander L. is belonging to Ericaceae family. In this study, anther development and microsporogenesis of Azalea alexander L. were considered. The flowers, in different developmental stages, were collected, fixed in Formalin -glacial acetic acidalcohol (FAA), stored in 70% ethanol, embedded in paraffin and then, sliced at 7-10 μm by rotary microtome and Stained by Eozine and hematoxylin. The results indicated that Anther walls development followed the dicotyledonous type and were tetrasporangiate with composed of epidermal layer, endothecium layer, middle layers and tapetum layer. Microspore tetrads are tetrahedral tapetum layer was secretory type. Pollen grains are tricolporate. The nucleus is divided by the mitosis into two nuclei, small generative and large vegetative nuclei that's why they are called bi- nucleated pollen grain.