EN
Allogamy in chasmogamous flowers of V. odorata (2n = 20) was detected using classical embryology methods and crossing experiments. 48 chasmogamous flowers left to open pollination were analysed. Out of 372 ovules normal, 8-nucleate ESs were observed in 52%; in 40% of ovules zygotes or embryos with endosperm occurred; 8% of ovules studied contained ESs in earlier stages of development. Additionally in several ovules some abnormalities concerning ES structure ahd the origin of embryos were detected. Isolation of 20 chasmogamous flower buds proved that self-fertilization did not occur without the pollen vector. Cross-pollination experiments involving both intra- and inter-population pollination showed that chasmogamous flowers yealded viable seeds after cross-fertilization. Seed germination occurs only after scarification. Scarified seeds germinated under in vitro culture conditions and developed into seedlings. Genetical structure of V. odorata populations depends on many factors discussed in this paper.