Flower Development

Flower development in rice can be divided into two big stages:
pre-flowering stage and flowering stage.

Prior to flowering, flower organs are developed to become ready for reproduction.
Pre-flowering stages are based on the development of sexual organs (male part and female part).

Pre-Flowering

1. Pollen Formation

In anther, pollens are formed and developed.

2. Ovary Development
The ovary, the chamber that envelops the ovule, is formed.
The tissues in ovule are formed and start developing.

3. Formation of Embryo Sac
The embryo sac, the storage of nutrients for the baby (embryo) to grow until it reaches out of soil and gets own nutrients by photosynthesis, is formed.
When the embryo sac is completely developed, the other flower organs are also ready for flowering and fertilization.

For more detail of Flower Anatomy >>> For more detail of Fertilization >>>

Usually a rice flower is ready for fertilization 1 day before it starts flowering.

Within the day between pre-flowering and flowering stages, a flower begins pollination

Once pollen in the anther (male reproductive part) and

the embryo sac in the ovule (female reproductive part) are fully developed,

the next stage is flowering, anthesis.

Anthesis (Flowering)

There are four big steps in anthesis,

and the whole course of events process only in one to two and a half hours.

1. Prior to Anthesis 2. The maximum opening (25-30degree) = Before the opening of the spikelet Tip of the lemma and palea begin to open. The anther filaments elongate and anthers exserted completely. How does it look in real life? Picture!

3. The Closing of the Spikelet 4. The Finish of Flowering Anthers come out, scattering pollen. The Anthers are left outside and die. Soon the anther filaments wither and The closed spikelet will never open again. anthers droop. The spikelet protects the ovary, At the same time, the spikelet start closing. which has started the next step The closing is completed within 20-30 minutes. of reproduction -- fertilization.

Introduction | Flowers&Fruit | Roots | Stems | Leaves

Section of Plant Biology Division of Biological Sciences

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS