Skrypec C. Reproductive biology of Gladiolus imbricatus L. and Iris sibirica L. (Iridaceae Juss.)

The dissertation presents the results of research on two rare species – Gladiolus imbricatus L. and Iris sibirica L. of the iris family (Iridaceae). Based on our own observations and literature data, a comprehensive evaluation of the reproductive biology of Gladiolus imbricatus and Iris sibirica in the conditions of Western Ukraine is given, the most crucial stages of the reproductive cycle are found and factors influencing the reproduction of these species in the conditions of Western Ukraine are revealed. We have discovered new facts on the structure of the inflorescence, the micromorphology of the flower (including, gynoecium zonation, placentation type, histology of the nectary, stylodium and stigma), seed and fruit of both species. The distinct stages of development of microsporangium and ovules was characterized for the first time. For both species, the dynamics and duration of flowering on the populational, individual and flower levels were studied for the first time, and the types and modes of pollination were determined as well as structural adaptations of the flower. Sporophytic self-incompatibility was experimentally confirmed in Iris sibirica, which in the studied population prevents fertilization after successful pollen transfer within the flower, individual and clone. The anatomical structure of seed and fruit, features of fruit development, structural adaptations to dissemination have been studied. For the first time the periodization of the fruiting processes was described and phenological observations were conducted on model populations of both species in the conditions of Western Ukraine Therefore, as a result of comprehensive research, we found that the crucial stages of the reproductive cycle in Gladiolus imbricatus are the formation of underdeveloped flowers and fruits in the inflorescence. The most crucial stages of the reproductive cycle in Iris sibirica are the short period of pollination and receptivity of the stigma, self-incompatibility, one-time visit of the pollinator and the lack of effective adaptation to long-range seed dispersal.