Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the origin and to observe the development of axillary buds in Phaseolus limensis (lima beans).Plant morphologists have long been interested in the mode of origin of axillary buds. The ferns, grasses, and woody plants have been studied most extensively. There was confusion as to whether axillary buds originated from the subtending leaf, the leaf above, the main shoot, or from detached apical meristem. All situations were found to occur,Since not much work had been done on axillary buds in this plant, lima beans were chosen. It is necessary to study the anatomy of the embryo as wellas growing plants in order to obtain a complete picture of development. The accessibility of the embryo and the growth form adapt this plant well to such study.For this study, Phaseolus limensis seeds were soaked and allowed to germinate. Materials were collected at definite intervals throughout the growth of the plant. The material was killed, fixed, thin sectioned, mounted on slides, and stained differentially.A comparison of the sequential sections was made in order to follow the morphogenesis of the axillary buds and to observe the accompanying morphological and cytological changes.