Resumo Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult, conhecida popularmente como rosa-do-deserto, tem se tornado uma opção valiosa para o setor de plantas ornamentais. Na floricultura, a produção de híbridos é priorizada, para isso, o conhecimento da biologia floral e da reprodução sexuada da espécie é fundamental. Objetivou-se com o presente estudo: (1) testar concentrações de sacarose e temperaturas na germinação in vitro de grãos de pólen de Adenium obesum; (2) identificar o efeito da temperatura na viabilidade de grãos de pólen de Adenium obesum e; (3) avaliar a viabilidade dos grãos de pólen e receptividade estigmática pré-antese, abertura floral e 72 horas pós-abertura floral em três acessos de Adenium obesum. Interação significativa entre temperaturas e concentrações de sacarose foi observada no teste de germinação in vitro. A maior porcentagem de germinação in vitro dos grãos de pólen, 39,81% foi observada na temperatura estimada de 26,05 °C. Os acessos de rosa-do-deserto mantidos em B.O.D. sob temperatura de 30 °C e fotoperíodo de 16 horas de luz apresentaram florescimento mais rápido e as temperaturas ≥ 25 °C indicaram porcentagens de viabilidade dos grãos de pólen acima de 69%. A temperatura é um dos fatores abióticos mais importantes, influencia a germinação dos grãos de pólen, crescimento do tubo polínico e pode afetar a fertilização. O acesso ICA-bd destacou-se e pode ser considerado como doador de pólen em polinizações artificiais. O estigma das flores encontrou-se receptivo desde um dia antes da abertura das flores até três dias após a flor abrir. Os dois parâmetros apresentados acima, receptividade estigmática e viabilidade polínica, permitem fazer inferências importantes sobre os momentos mais apropriados para a polinização e subsequente fertilização na rosa-do-deserto.

Abstract Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult., popularly known as desert rose, has become a valuable ornamental plant. In floriculture, the production of hybrids is prioritized. Hence, knowledge on floral biology and sexual reproduction of the target species is fundamental. The objectives of this study were: (1) to test sucrose concentrations and temperatures for in vitro germination of A. obesum pollen grains; (2) to identify the effect of temperature on the viability of A. obesum pollen grains; and (3) to evaluate the viability of pollen grains and stigma receptivity in pre-anthesis, at flower opening, and 72 h post-flower opening in three accessions of A. obesum. A significant relationship between temperatures and sucrose concentrations was observed in the in vitro germination test. The highest percentage of in vitro germination of pollen grains, 39.81%, was observed at an estimated temperature of 26.05 °C. Desert rose accessions maintained in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) chambers at 30 °C during a 16-h light photoperiod showed faster flowering, and temperatures ≥ 25 °C induced pollen grain viability percentages above 69%. Temperature is one of the most important abiotic factors, influencing mainly in pollen germination, pollen tube growing and in efficiency fertilization. The ICA-wd accession stood out and can be considered a pollen donor in artificial pollination. The stigmas of flowers were receptive from a day before flower opening until three days after. The two parameters presented above, stigma receptivity and pollen viability, allow inferences about the appropriate time for successful pollination and subsequent fertilization in desert roses.

Abstract Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (foc) is one of the main diseases affecting banana crops. Biological control emerges as an alternative technology to prevent the spread of the disease. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of endophytic bacteria isolated from banana Prata Anã challenged with the foc in pairing and volatile tests under in vitro conditions. Forty endophytic isolates of the genera Bacillus, Klebsiella, Paenibacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Lysinibacillus and Sporolactobacillus isolated from banana roots were challenged with foc. The principal component analysis showed that the spore germination variable in the presence of bacterial cells explained better the variance (29.88%). Spore germination in the presence of bacterial cells, number of spores/cm2 in paired and volatile tests, and colony area in volatile tests explained about 86.10% of the total variance observed. The isolate EB37 (Bacillus sp., JN215502.1) reduced 96% of the germination of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense spores. The UPMGA clustering method based on Euclidean distance divides the 40 endophytic bacteria isolates into eight groups. The autochthonous bacteria isolated from Musa sp. of the genera Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Sporolactobacillus and Paenibacillus showed promising results in foc control under in vitro conditions.

Abstract Perennial plant breeding is an expensive and time-consuming process, mainly due to the extended growth time for juveniles. In these cases, the use of molecular marker-assisted selection (MMAS) allows for the selection of a characteristic of interest at the seed or seedling stages. The objective of this work was to characterize the segregation of the INO locus and to use MMAS for the early selection of seedless genotypes of atemoya 'Gefner' [(G; Annona cherimola Mill. × Annona squamosa L.) × Brazilian seedless (Bs; Annona squamosa)]. After primer validation and MMAS, 24 plants of the F2 population were selected and designated as candidate genotypes for the absence of seeds, as INO alleles were absent in them. For further studies on breeding programs for this species, 53 heterozygous seedlings were considered as genetic resources during selection.

ABSTRACT Increased planting density, different types of thinning management, and the use of beneficial microorganisms have been adopted as strategic tools in the effort to increase crop yields in a sustainable manner. This investigation evaluated the growth and production of ‘Prata Anã Gorutuba’ banana ( Musa spp., AAB) under different plant densities during two production cycles in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Micropropagated plantlets were also inoculated with endophytic bacteria and cultivated as part of two mat management strategies. Planting density varied between 1,680 and 3,920 plant ha–1. During the experiment, water was less than optimal because of rationing due to drought in the region. Under field conditions, there was no difference between bacterially inoculated and non-inoculated plants. The dense planting system increased the crop cycle. The highest-density planting treatment (3,920 plant ha–1) resulted in the highest yield in the first cycle, but no net income was observed. However, the high-density planting treatments resulted in the highest yields and gross incomes in the second production cycle. Management with thinning of plants up to 10-months-old and thinning up to harvest associated with high planting density increased the length of the production cycles. Although the water restriction experienced in the first and second crop cycles, the vegetative and productive traits of ‘Prata Anã Gorutuba’ banana did not compromise the objectives of this study.

ABSTRACT The present study had as the main objective the documentation and characterization of the different phenological stages, as well as the definition of the thermal requirements, of the atemoya tree for two agronomic seasons. From shoot development to senescence and beginning of the rest period eight main stages were described (shoot development, leaf development, shoot/bud growth, inflorescence appearance, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturity and senescence and the beginning of the rest period). The number of days and the thermal requirements for completing each phenological stage were different between the two agronomic seasons of the atemoya. The first and second agronomic season presented a period of 217 and 206 days, with thermal requirements of 2469 and 2302 degree days, respectively.

Abstract: The banana tree is associated with different species of endophytic bacteria that can stimulate plant growth. However, further studies are needed to better understand the relationships between this group of bacteria and the host plant. The objective of this study was to investigate the localization of the EB-40 (Bacillus sp.) through anatomical and ultrastructural analyses in micropropagated banana plantlets. The results demonstrated the effective colonization of the EB-40 isolate in the intercellular and intracellular spaces, as well as in the rhizosphere region. The wall of endophytic bacteria contains calcium and nitrogen. The EB-40 isolate was also observed to associate with the plasma membrane and cell wall. These results further our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the colonization of plant cells by endophytic bacteria in micropropagated banana plantlets.

RESUMO: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de ácido giberélico (GA3) associado com e sem polinização artificial, no pegamento e na qualidade de frutos das pinheiras ‘Red’ e ‘Lessard Thai’ e da atemoieira‘Gefner’. O experimento foi realizado em pomar localizado em Homestead, EUA. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com oito tratamentos, quatro repetições e quatro plantas por parcela. Os tratamentos utilizados neste experimento foram: 1) Polinização Artificial (PA); 2) PA + 10 mg L-1 GA3; 3) PA + 100 mg L-1 GA3; 4) PA + 1000 mg L-1 GA3; 5) Polinização natural (PN); 6) PN + 10 mg L-1 GA3; 7) PN + 100 mg L-1 GA3; e 8) PN + 1000 mg L-1 GA3. A PA combinada com a concentração de 1000 mg L-1 de GA3 promoveu o estabelecimento de frutos acima de 90% durante as 14 semanas de avaliação para todos os genótipos avaliados. Incrementos significativos para o comprimento e peso dos frutos também foram observados a variedade de pinha “Red” e a atemoia, em que apresentaram redução no número total de sementes.A PN em associação com GA3 (1000 mg L-1) foi eficaz na produção de frutos sem sementes de alta qualidade em atemóia ‘Gefner. Estes dados mostram que o GA3, combinado com a polinização manual, produziu frutos com semente de alta qualidade e, em associação com a polinização natural, promoveu frutos sem sementes em atemóia ‘Gefner’.

ABSTRACT: The present research aimed to evaluate the effect of applying gibberellic acid (GA3) with hand (HP) or natural pollination (NP) on fruit set and the fruit quality of ‘Red’ and ‘Lessard Thai’ sugar apple and ‘Gefner’ atemoya fruits.This study was performed in an experimental orchard located in Homestead, Florida, USA. The experimental design included randomized blocks, with eight treatments, four replicates and four plants per plot. Treatments included: (1) HP; (2) HP + 10 mg L-1 GA3; (3) HP + 100 mg L-1 GA3; (4) HP + 1,000 mg L-1 GA3; (5) NP; (6) NP + 10 mg L-1 GA3; (7) NP + 100 mg L-1 GA3 and (8) NP + 1,000 mg L-1 GA3. The HP plus 1,000 mg L-1 GA3 promoted fruit setting above 90% over the 14 weeks for all genotypes evaluated. Significant increments for length and total fruit weight were observed. ‘Red’ sugar apple and atemoya had a reduced number of seeds per fruit. The NP plus GA3 (1,000 mg L-1) was effective in producing high quality seedless ‘Gefner’ atemoya fruits. This investigationdemonstratedthat GA3 plus hand pollination produced high quality sugar apple and atemoya seeded fruits and in association with natural pollination promoted seedless ‘Gefner’atemoya fruits.

RESUMO O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar as bactérias endofíticas de bananeira em nível de gênero e espécie e determinar as reações metabólicas associadas às transformações do nitrogênio. A identificação em níveis de gênero e espécie foi realizada por meio do sequenciamento parcial da região rDNA 16S. Foram avaliadas in vitro a capacidade de fixação assimbiótica de nitrogênio, a redução do nitrato e a produção de urease. O DNA dos isolados bacterianos também foi amplificado para a verificação da presença das regiões gênicas nifH, nirK e nirS. Os testes bioquímicos foram realizados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, os tratamentos foram constituídos de 39 isolados bacterianos com três repetições. A análise das sequências possibilitou identificar quatro gêneros, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Klebsiela e Enterobacter. O gênero Bacillus ocorreu com maior frequência, nove espécies foram identificadas. Avaliando-se conjuntamente os resultados dos testes bioquímicos observou-se que três isolados apresentaram habilidades múltiplas: crescimento em meio NFb, redução de nitrato e produção de urease. Os isolados pertencem ao gênero Bacillus e das espécies subtilis, thuringienses e amyloliquefaciens. Em torno de 12% dos isolados amplificaram a região correspondente ao gene nifH, 7,5% o gene nirK, 3,9 % o gene nirS. As bactérias endofíticas avaliadas no presente estudo indicaram atividade in vitro para as enzimas urease e nitrato redutase, não apresentando, entretanto, atividade relevante da nitrogenase.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to characterize banana tree endophytic bacteria at genus and species level and to determine the metabolic reactions associated with the nitrogen transformations. The identification at genus and species levels was performed using the partial sequencing of the rDNA 16S region. The assimbyotic nitrogen fixation, the reduction of nitrate and the production of urease were in vitro evaluated. The DNA of the bacterial isolates was also amplified to verify the presence of the nifH, nirK and nirS regions. Biochemical tests were performed in a complete randomized design; the treatments consisted of 39 bacterial isolates with three replications. Sequence analysis enabled the identification of four genera: Bacillus, Rhizobium, Klebsiella and Enterobacter. The Bacillus genus occurred more frequently, nine species were identified. By evaluating the results of biochemical tests, it was observed that three isolates showed multiple abilities: growth in NFb medium, nitrate reduction and production of urease. The isolates belong to the genus Bacillus and of the species subtilis, thuringienses and amyloliquefaciens. Approximately 12.5% of the isolates amplified the region corresponding to the nifH gene, 7.5% amplified gene nirK and 3.9% amplified the nirS gene. Endophytic bacteria evaluated in the present study showed in vitro activity for urease, nitrate reductase enzymes, however, relevant nitrogenase activity was not observed.

ABSTRACT Forty isolates of endophytic bacteria isolated from banana tree roots were assessed as to their capacity to solubilize phosphate in a solid culture medium supplemented with different inorganic and one organic source of phosphorus. The amount of phosphorus (P) in each liquid medium was quantified, and an indirect assessment of acid phosphatase activity was performed. All assays had a fully randomized design, with three repetitions. Approximately 67.5% of the 40 isolates assessed in solid medium solubilized phosphorus from tricalcium phosphate and 7.5% of the isolates solubilized phosphorus from soy lecithin; no isolates exhibited P solubilization capacity in medium supplemented with iron phosphate. Acid phosphatase activity was detected in 65% of the isolates; Aneurinibacillus sp. and Lysinibacillus sp. isolates presented with the best solubilization indexes. All of the assessed isolates exhibited a capacity to reduce the potential of hydrogen in liquid medium supplemented with tricalcium phosphate. Isolate EB. 78 (Bacillus sp.) exhibited P solubilization capacity in solid media when Ca3(PO4)2 and soy lecithin were used as P sources; this isolate significantly reduced the pH of the liquid medium and exhibited acid phosphatase activity. The results of the present study highlight isolates that exhibit variations in their capacity to solubilize P. These isolates should be used in future tests to assess their field performance.

ABSTRACT The phenological growth stages of various species of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants can be uniformly coded using the Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. The aim of the present study was to determine the duration of different phenological stages and the temperature requirements of the sugar-apple, Annona squamosa, during two crop cycles in the semiarid region of Brazil. Phenological stages were divided into eight of ten possible principal stages: (0) bud development, (1) leaf development, (3) shoot/branch development, (5) inflorescence emergence, (6) flowering, (7) fruit development, (8) fruit maturity and (9) senescence and the beginning of dormancy. The phenological cycle of the sugar-apple from having closed leaf buds to the fruit ripening stage lasted 149 and 164 days with temperature requirements of 1684.5 and 1786.7 degree days (DD) for the first and second crop cycles, respectively. The results provided important information that will inform the correct timing for crop management practices.

RESUMO A utilização de biofertilizantes ou inoculantes microbianos capazes de promover o crescimento e incrementar a produtividade das plantas têm sido aceita como alternativa a redução do uso de adubos químicos. Diante do exposto objetivou-se avaliar o o crescimento e qualidade de mudas micropropagadas de bananeira ‘Prata Anã’ após a bioinoculação de bacterias endofíticas promotoras de crescimento. O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições, e os tratamentos foram compostos por 24 isolados de bactérias endofíticas. Os isolados EB-50 ( Bacillussp.), e EB-133 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) caracterizados como fixadores biológicos de nitrogênio, o EB-51 (Bacillus pumilus) solubilizador de fosfato inorgânico e os isolados EB-55 () e EBacillussubtilisB-40 (Bacillus sp.) sintetizadores do ácido indol-3-acético, propiciaram os maiores incrementos para o comprimento, diâmetro do pseudocaule, massas frescas e massas secas nas mudas micropropagadas de bananeira ‘Prata Anã’.

ABSTRACT The use of bio-fertilizers and microbial inoculants that promote plant growth and increased yield has been accepted as an alternative to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of plant growth promoting bacteria inoculation on growth and quality of micropropagated banana seedlings ‘Prata Anã’. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications and the treatments consisted of 24 isolates of endophytic bacteria. The isolates EB-50 (Bacillus sp.) and EB-133 (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) characterized as diazotrophic, the EB-51 (Bacillus pumilus) indicate for inorganic phosphate solubilization and EB-55(Bacillus subtilis) and EB-40 (Bacillus sp.) indole-3-acetic acid producers have provided significant increases for length, pseudostem diameter, fresh masses and dry masses in ‘Prata Anã’ micropropagated banana seedlings.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência da aplicação de diferentes doses de uniconazole (UCZ) em mangueira 'Palmer' no comportamento vegetativo, reprodutivo e nas características físicas, químicas e produtivas dos frutos durante o período de entressafra na região Norte de Minas Gerais. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, testando-se as doses 0,0; 1,0; 1,0+1,0 (2,0) após 30 dias; 1,0+1,0+1,0 (3,0) parcelado a cada 30 dias; 1,0+1,0+2,0 (4,0) parcelado a cada 30 dias, em g, do ingrediente ativo (i.a.) de UCZ por planta, aplicado via foliar. Verificou-se que todos os tratamentos com uso de uniconazole reduziram o alongamento dos ramos da mangueira 'Palmer', quando comparada com a testemunha, apresentando uma redução média de 81,6%, no entanto, apenas a aplicação de 1,0+1,0+2,0g i.a. UCZ/planta parcelado a cada 30 dias foi eficiente em promover a floração no período da entressafra, possibilitando um incremento médio de 167% no número de frutos por planta e de 9,78t ha-1 na produtividade.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of uniconazole (UCZ) on 'Palmer' mango vegetative and reproductive response and on fruit physical, chemical, and productive characteristics during the off-season in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experiment followed a randomized block design. UCZ was tested at the following doses applied to leaves and expressed in g of UCZ active ingredient (a.i.) per tree: 0.0, 1.0, and 1.0+1.0 (2.0) after 30 days; 1.0+1.0+1.0 (3.0) subdivided into 30-day intervals; and 1.0+1.0+2.0 (4.0) subdivided into 30-day intervals. All of the UCZ treatments reduced branch elongation in the 'Palmer' mango trees, leading to a mean reduction of 81.6% compared to the control. However, the UCZ application of 1.0+1.0+2.0g a.i. per tree subdivided into 30-day intervals was efficient in promoting flowering during the off-season, enabling a 167% mean increase in the number of fruit per tree and a 9.78t ha-1 mean increase in productivity.

RESUMO A pinheira é uma fruteira altamente dependente da polinização e o desempenho do pólen é determinante para o sucesso da fertilização e frutificação efetiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as temperaturas cardinais para a germinação in vitro dos grãos de pólen e avaliar o efeito de diferentes temperaturas no crescimento dos tubos polínicos de pinheira. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com oito tratamentos (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 e 45 ºC), quatro repetições, sendo cada parcela experimental constituída por duas lâminas. As temperaturas cardinais foram determinadas por meio da avaliação da germinação in vitro dos grãos de pólen e do crescimento do tubo polínico em meio de cultura padrão. Avaliou-se também o crescimento do tubo polínico e o percentual de germinação in vitro em função do tipo de arranjo do grão de pólen (mônade, díade, tríade e tétrade germinados). A germinação in vitro dos grãos de pólen e o crescimento dos tubos polínicos da pinha variou significativamente com a temperatura. A máxima germinação in vitro registrada (48,13 %) e o máximo comprimento dos tubos polínicos (536,45 µm) foram obtidos quando os grãos de pólen foram cultivados a 25 °C. As temperaturas cardinais estimadas foram 9,7, 26,9 e 44,2 ºC. Dentre os arranjos de grãos de pólen, foi observada maior percentagem de tétrades, no entanto, os grãos de pólen do tipo mônades apresentaram maiores porcentagem de germinação.

ABSTRACT The sugar apple is highly dependent on the pollination and fruit tree pollen performance is crucial for successful fertilization and fruit set. The objective of this study was to determine the cardinal temperatures for in vitro pollen grains germination and evaluate the effect of temperature on pollen tube growth of sugar apple. The experimental design was in a completely randomized with eight treatments (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 ºC), four replicates and each plot was constituted by two slides per parcel. The cardinal temperatures were determined by evaluating in vitro germination of pollen grains and pollen tube growth in standard culture medium. It also assessed the pollen tube growth and the percentage of germination in vitro depending on the type of pollen grain arrangement (monad, dyad, triad and tetrad). In vitro germination of pollen grains and pollen tube growth varied significantly with temperature. The maximum germination recorded (48.13%) and the maximum lengths of pollen tubes (536.45 μm) were obtained when pollen grains were cultivated at 25 ºC. The estimated cardinal temperatures were 9.7, 26.9 and 44.2 ºC. Among the pollen grain arrangements, tetrads pollen grains were observed in higher proportions, however, monads pollen grains presented higher germination percentage.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de CaCl2 em pré-colheita, em diferentes doses e épocas no controle do despencamento natural de frutos da bananeira 'FHIA-18'. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3x3+1 testemunha, sendo testadas as doses de 2, 4 e 6% de CaCl2 aos 60, 90 e 120 dias após a emissão do cacho, com cinco repetições e uma planta por parcela. Observou-se redução linear da resistência ao despencamento e do tempo de maturação do fruto com o acréscimo das doses de CaCl2. Os frutos apresentaram maior firmeza com três aplicações de CaCl2. Os teores de cálcio da casca e da polpa não foram alterados significativamente com as doses e épocas de aplicações do CaCl2, indicando que o cálcio não é absorvido efetivamente pelo fruto. A aplicação de CaCl2 na pré-colheita não reduz o despencamento dos frutos da bananeira 'FHIA-18'.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of CaCl2 application in preharvest and in different doses and times in order to control the natural fruit dropping of banana 'FHIA-18'. The experimental design was in a randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme 3x3+1 control, with three doses of CaCl2 (2, 4 and 6%), three times of application (60, 90 and 120 days) after the bunch emission, with five replicates and one plant per parcel. A linear decrease of dropping resistance and fruit time maturation with increasing doses of CaCl2 was observed. The fruits showed to be more consistent with three applications of CaCl2. The calcium content of the peel and pulp were not significantly changed with the doses and applications of CaCl2, indicating that calcium is not absorbed effectively by the fruits. The application of CaCl2 in preharvest do not reduce the natural fruit dropping in banana 'FHIA-18'.

A estenospermia foi identificada em mutantes naturais de fruta do conde (Annona squamosa) e tem grande potencial de uso em programas de melhoramento genético. Até agora, não existem estudos detalhados sobre o desenvolvimento dos frutos aspérmicos desta espécie. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a anatomia do fruto em desenvolvimento no mutante ‘Brazilian seedless’. Botões florais em pré-antese e frutos ao longo do desenvolvimento foram submetidos a técnicas usuais em anatomia vegetal. Os óvulos peculiares são unitegumentados, ortótropos e apresentam funículo longo. Existe evidência da fecundação como presença de embriões em início de desenvolvimento e proliferação de grãos de amido no saco embrionário. No entanto, os embriões e o saco embrionário degeneram, o que não afeta o desenvolvimento do pericarpo. Não ocorre aborto de óvulos e o perisperma, formado a partir das camadas periféricas do nucelo, preenche a cavidade deixada pelo saco embrionário. No fruto maduro ocorrem numerosas e pequenas sementes estéreis com abundante perisperma, porém, com tegumento não lignificado e restrito à região micropilar. A maioria das células do perisperma são vivas e têm aparência de serem metabolicamente ativas na periferia. A estenospermia leva a formação de sementes estéreis em A. squamosa e o perisperma possivelmente tem papel determinante no desenvolvimento do fruto.

Stenospermy was identified in naturally occurring sugar-apple (Annona squamosa) mutants with great potential for use in genetic improvement programs. However, to date, there have been no detailed studies of the development of aspermic fruit in this species. The aim of the present study was to characterize the anatomy of developing fruit in the ‘Brazilian Seedless’ mutant. Flower buds in pre-anthesis and developing fruits were subjected to common plant anatomy techniques. The abnormal ovules are unitegmic and orthotropic and have a long funiculus. There is evidence of fertilization, including the presence of embryos in early development and the proliferation of starch grains in the embryo sac. However, the embryos and embryo sac degenerate, although this does not affect pericarp development. Ovule abortion does not occur. The perisperm, which is formed from the peripheral layers of the nucellus, fills the cavity left by the embryo sac. The mature fruit contains numerous small sterile seeds with abundant perisperm and unlignified integument that is restricted to the micropylar region. The majority of perisperm cells are living and appear to be metabolically active in the periphery. Therefore, stenospermy leads to the formation of sterile seeds in A. squamosa, and the perisperm possibly play an important role in fruit development.