Chemical changes in latex are relevant in the reproductive cycle of Ficus citrifolia Mill. (Moraceae)

Resumen

The laticifer is a latex-secreting structure widely present in the Moraceae family, particularly in fig trees and their figs. The presence of laticifers in figs has recently been associated with protection against oviposition by parasitic wasps within the fig tree-fig wasp mutualism. Thus, a different function has been described for latex: an indirect role in pollination. This study aims to examine the chemical composition of latex in differentiating laticifers in Ficus citrifolia inflorescences. Figs were processed for histochemical analysis using light microscopy. Articulated and anastomosed laticifers traverse the phloem and mesophyll parenchyma. The latex contains proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, alkaloids, and terpenes. Differentiating laticifers have thickened pecto-cellulosic walls and dense latex until the pollen production phase in staminate flowers. In the post-pollination period, the laticifer persists; its walls become sinuous, and the latex turns particulate. Dense latex is associated with a high concentration of compounds that may reduce oviposition by parasitic wasps during the pollination phase. Despite the persistence of the laticifer in the post-pollination (i.e. fruit and seed maturation), the decrease in latex density may make the infructescence more palatable for consumption by dispersing animals such as bats and monkeys (Fapesp process no. 2022/12533-2 and 2024/04556-8).

Citation: Ramos, F.P. & de Pádua Teixeira, S. 2025. Chemical changes in latex are relevant in the reproductive cycle of Ficus citrifolia Mill. (Moraceae). Revista Jard. Bot. Nac. Univ. Habana 46(Número especial 1): 73.

Trabajo presentado en el XIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Botánica. Sesión Ecología, Interacciones, Medio Ambiente y Cambio Climático.