STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE PISTIL IN SAFFRON (CROCUS SATIVUS L.)

The structural organization of the stigma-ovary tract, of the ovule, and of the embryo sac was studied by optical and electron microscopy in buds and flowers of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) at different stages of development. The saffron stigma is of the dry type and the papillae are covered by a continuous cuticle. The ovary has septa enlarged in its upper part and three internal canals covered with septal nectaries. The relation between these particular structures and the existence of possible growth substances in these parts of the pistil is pointed out.