The postgenital fusion in the gynoecium of Trifolium repens L.: light and electron microscopical aspects

The postgenital fusion between the carpellary margins in the gynoecium of Trifolium repens L. was studied in different ontogenetical stages by means of light and electron microscopy. The results of both methods are correlated. With light microscopy the place of fusion could be inferred by histogenetical analysis of serial sections. With electron microscopy the suture was determined directly by remnants of the enclosed cuticles. At the suture a pseudo-middle lamella was present that was more susceptible to chemical treatment than the normal middle lamella.