Flower biology and ontogeny of the tung tree (Vernicia fordii Hemsl.)

Authors: LI, WENYING - Central South University Of Forestry And Technology; LIU, MEILAN - Central South University Of Forestry And Technology; DONG, XIANG - Central South University Of Forestry And Technology; Cao, Heping; WU, YE - Central South University Of Forestry And Technology; SHANG, HAI - Central South University Of Forestry And Technology; HUANG, HUIMENG - Central South University Of Forestry And Technology; ZHANG, LIN - Central South University Of Forestry And Technology

Submitted to: Trees
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/19/2020
Publication Date: 11/1/2020
Citation: Li, W., Liu, M., Dong, X., Cao, H., Wu, Y., Shang, H., Huang, H., Zhang, L. 2020. Flower biology and ontogeny of the tung tree (Vernicia fordii Hemsl.). Trees. 34:1363-1381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-020-02041-3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-020-02041-3

Interpretive Summary: Tung tree is an economically important woody oil plant and produces excellent fast-drying oil used as a protective finish on projects and surfaces for centuries. Knowledge of sex determination and flower development of tung tree is helpful for high-yield cultivation and new elite cultivar selection. However, studies on tung flower biology and ontogeny are still lacking. We report a comprehensive study of the flower biology and ontogeny of the tung tree, focusing on flower cycle, flower morphology and flower development. A possible model was developed to present the sporogenesis and gametogenesis in the tung tree. The flower biology and ontogeny in this study is useful for oil production and cultivar breeding of tung trees.

Technical Abstract: Tung tree (Vernicia fordii), an economically important woody oil plant in China, produces excellent fast-drying oil used as a protective finish on projects and surfaces for centuries. Knowledge of sex determination and flower development of tung tree is helpful for high-yield cultivation and new elite cultivar breeding. However, studies on tung flower biology and ontogeny are still lacking. Here, we reported a comprehensive study of the flower biology and ontogeny of the tung tree, focusing on flower cycle, flower morphology and flower development. The inflorescence phenophases were divided into 12 pivotal stages and used as a unique timeline to reference the events registered throughout the flower cycle. Histological studies on sporogenesis and gametogenesis were also conducted. Meanwhile, all the unique events throughout flower cycle were correlated. A possible model was subsequently developed to present the sporogenesis and gametogenesis in the tung tree. The flower biology and ontogeny in this study is useful for oil production and cultivar breeding of tung trees.