Transfer Cells and Vascular Tissue Distribution in the Vegetative Nodes of Rice

The structure of the vascular bundles in the vegetative nodes of rice has been studied in serial transverse sections. Three types of bundles are present in the vegetative nodes: (1) elliptical bundles containing numerous xylem transfer cells; (2) diffuse bundles; (3) tiny anastomosing bundles. The latter two types of bundles do not contain any xylem transfer cells. In the vegetative nodes of rice, phloem transfer cells do not occur and nodal plate bundles are absent. The significance of the distribution of the vascular tissue and the transfer cells in the rice node is discussed in particular reference to that reported earlier for wheat.