Studies on the Development of Anther & Palynology of Indian Cucurbitaceae

The family cucurbitaceae is unique in many morphological characters and has received considerable attention at the hands of Indian workers. In India its members occur in wild form and are also widely cultivated for their fruits which are a rich source of vegetables and dessert. Palynologically the family is quite interesting. The characters of pollen morphology have proved useful in identification and in solving taxonomic problems. These have been used effectively in the classification of family in recent years. Physiologically also cucurbit pollen has remarkable features of a polysiphouous germination, branching of pollen tube and its persistence. There are several studies on pollen germination, pollen tube growth and pollen storage. All this information occurs in research publications in different journals. The work that forms the basis of the present publication was carried out at the Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. A sincere effort was made to obtain samples of pollen material of wild cucurbits, from localities throughout the country. Samples were collected for large number of cultivars of cultivated species of Cucumis, Citrullus etc. Various aspects of male structure including anther development, pollen morphology and pollen physiology were investigated. The author made a thorough survey of literature and has really come up with a good compilation of data based on his own findings and that of other researchers, particularly the Indian work.