Variability of caryopsis in Avena amphiploids – a microstructural approach

The research on microstructure of caryopsis in selected species and interspecific amphiploids of the genus Avena was conducted. We were concentrated on morphological and anatomical analysis of the endosperm, in particular aleurone layer. On this basis, a number of developmental and mutational disorders of this tissue have been identified. Additionally, the tissues located in the crease of caryopsis: vascular bundle, pigment strand and nucellar projection, were analyzed. In amphiploids, a large variability of transfer tissues in caryopsis was observed. Patterns of variation of amphiploids were compared to that described in parental species by numerical taxonomy methods.