Cytological and anatomical observations on the awn and lemma of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. cv. Ofanto)

Abstract The anatomy and cytology of the awn and lemma of Triticum aestivum cv. Ofanto was studied. Transverse sections of awns showed five vascular bundles, elongated and branched chlorenchyma cells containing protein bodies are lacking in starch; therefore sugars are supposed rapidly translocated. Starch is abundant in the spike. Phytoliths are present.