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Glandular Secretory System of Alfalfa Species¹

We studied the functional secretory activity of glandular trichomes on annuals (diploid Medicago disciformis DC, tetraploid M. scutellata (L) Mill.) and perennials (diploid M. prostrata Jacq., tetraploids M. sativa L. subsp. sativa and praefalcata) to help explain plant defense against alfalfa weevils [Hypera postica (Gyllenhal)]. Light and electron microscopy were used to documenthe secretory function of erect and procumbent glands. Glands matured and secretion initiated on unelongated parts within the plant terminal. Pressure exerted by the secretion caused the cuticle to separate from the underlying cell wall, creating a subcuticular space. In erect glands, uplifting of the cuticle from the cell wall was initiated most often along common walls of adjacent secretory cells of the gland head. Procumbent glands formed a single subcuticular space in the gland apex. Photomicrographs suggested that the secretion was released by teanng or splitting of the cuticle. Only the two terminal cells of procumbent gland heads participated in the release of secretion.

The sudan stain for Hpids reacted positively with the gland exudate. Dense patches of sudanophilic material appeared on heads and stalks of glands after staining. The affinity for stain was less in procumbenthan in erect gland secretions.

Key Words: Scanning and transmission microscopy • Erect and procumbent glandular hairs • Lipids • Medicago disciformis • M. prostrata • M. scutellata • M. sativa

² Respectively, research associate, Div. of Biology, Kansas State Univ., and research agronomist, AR-SEA-USDA, Manhattan, KS 66506.

Received for publication February 5, 1979.

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