The Cucurbitaceae is predominantly a family of tropics and subtropics and a good number of its members are represented in the Indian flora. This family is important not only for its unique morphological features and disputed taxonomic position but also for its economic importance. A large number of cucurbits are cultivated in India and their fruits are used as vegetable and dessert. Seeds of many cucurbits yield oil and the seed cake is a good cattle feed. Although male flowers of Cucurbitaceae have been the focus of attention of botanists for the unique structure of anthers, the pollen morphology has also formed the subject of numerous publications from different countries. But most other aspects of study on anthers namely the development of anther, pollen production and their release, lose of pollen viability, pollen germination and pollen tube growth have received inadequate attention. Therefore, a study was undertaken on all aspects of anther and male gametophyte. The data obtained during this study and the papers published by different researchers form the basis of this publication. It is hoped that the material presented here will be of some value to research workers, plant breeders and other agriculture and horticulture scientists.

The Cucurbitaceae is predominantly a family of tropics and subtropics and a good number of its members are represented in the Indian flora. This family is important not only for its unique morphological features and disputed taxonomic position but also for its economic importance. A large number of cucurbits are cultivated in India and their fruits are used as vegetable and dessert. Seeds of many cucurbits yield oil and the seed cake is a good cattle feed. Although male flowers of Cucurbitaceae have been the focus of attention of botanists for the unique structure of anthers, the pollen morphology has also formed the subject of numerous publications from different countries. But most other aspects of study on anthers namely the development of anther, pollen production and their release, lose of pollen viability, pollen germination and pollen tube growth have received inadequate attention. Therefore, a study was undertaken on all aspects of anther and male gametophyte. The data obtained during this study and the papers published by different researchers form the basis of this publication. It is hoped that the material presented here will be of some value to research workers, plant breeders and other agriculture and horticulture scientists.