Développement du fruit de Prunus serotina (Rosaceae)

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Abstract
The authors follow, from full bloom to ripening, the development of the fruit of Prunus serotina, which lasts 13 weeks. Microscopic observations of serial sections, taken from different stages of development, reveal three distinct phases of growth. After fertilization an increase in the number and size of the cells of the mesocarp contributes to rapid growth of the dimensions of the fruit. Toward the end of this first phase, the endocarp starts to differentiate and thickens considerably. Two distinct layers become apparent: an interior one composed of horizontal elongated fibers and another, exterior, composed of isodiametric sclereids. The second stage is characterized by a decrease in the rate of growth of the fruit. The most important anatomical changes are observed in the seed, in which the embryo grows to invade most of the space delimited by the seed coat. At the end of their maturation, the cherries show another growth period, resulting in yet another increase in the size of the cells of the mesocarp. The vascular system comprises one dorsal, two lateral, two ventral, and two ovular bundles. The development of the fruit of Prunus serotina is compared with that of other species of Prunus.

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