Flower bud formation in Ottoman (female type) strawberry cultivar

The aim of this work was to investigate flower bud formation in the strawberry cultivar Ottoman which is a local female type, very resistant to chlorosis and very rich in aroma. Plant samples were taken all the year round and examined under a binocular dissecting stereomicroscope for the initiation of flower buds, differentiation and development of floral organs. In order to study the aborted anthers during the stages of floral development, the materials were sectioned using a microtome. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and examined under a light and/or fluorescent microscope. It was found that until Stage V of flower development there was no abnormality in the growth and development of the anthers. But after this stage the growth of the filaments slowed down and the anthers became flattened and dried. There was no sign of pollen formation in them. However, the pistils developed gradually until the balloon stage, and the sepals and petals appeared to be normal.