ON THE ALLOMETRIC GROWTH OF TISSUES IN FRUITS

摘要

This paper deals with the relative growth of three different fruit tissues. Their morphogenetic periods and the mathematical constraints involved are described, and more precisely, the paper shows an allometric relationship (Y=nX~m) between the widths (X, Y) of the main tissues in stone fruits such as cherries, peaches and prunes. The mathematical relationships between the growth of the mesocarp and of the endocarp of some Prunus fruits are described, and it is proved that before the formation of the embryo, growth is allometric, in agreement with conclusions drawn from some experimental data. However, according to another study, the growth of the mesocarp and of the endocarp are ruled by autocatalytic and monomolecular functions, before as well as after the formation of the embryo. In this case, it is proved that if allometry exits in stone fruits, it can only be enantiometry (m= - 1). To solve the dilemma, two main alternatives are proposed and discussed. We conclude that, while allometry is established on reasonable grounds before the formation of the embryo, after the formation of the embryo the mesocarp and endocarp evolve independently since a center for the coordination of growth no longer exists, and each tissue can grow according to its own independent rules.