Elaiosomes in Urochloa paucispicata (Poaceae: Panicoideae: Paniceae): Anatomy and chemical composition
The spikelet of Urochloa paucispicata has a typical Paniceae structure and it constitutes the unit of dispersal; the base of its lower glume is united to an elongated internode between the lower and the upper glumes, and at maturity, it becomes soft and turgid, developing the elaiosome. Chemical ide...
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| Autores principales: | , , |
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| Formato: | JOUR |
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| Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12110/paper_03672530_v195_n4_p303_Morrone |
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| Sumario: | The spikelet of Urochloa paucispicata has a typical Paniceae structure and it constitutes the unit of dispersal; the base of its lower glume is united to an elongated internode between the lower and the upper glumes, and at maturity, it becomes soft and turgid, developing the elaiosome. Chemical identification of TLC fractions in the elaiosome of Urochloa paucispicata showed that it contains triglycerides, free fatty acids and diglycerides. Gas chromatography of the fatty acid methyl esters, of each fraction, showed the presence of palmitic, oleic, linoleic and stearic acids. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids are significant components of the lipid fractions. By field observations we identified three different species of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) which removed the spikelets of Urochloa paucispicata and carried them to their nests: Acromyrmex landolti fracticornis FOREL, Pheidole spp. and Ectatomma spp. |
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