The effect of the number of pods on the main inflorescence (NPMI) on seed yield in Brassica napus plants grown at high density is a topic of great economic and scientific interest. Here, we sought to identify patterns of gene expression that determine the NPMI during inflorescence differentiation. We monitored gene expression profiles in the main inflorescence of two B. napus F6 RIL pools, each...

Grapevine flower development and fruit set are influenced by cold nights in the vineyard. To investigate the impact of cold stress on carbon metabolism in the inflorescence, we exposed the inflorescences of fruiting cuttings to chilling and freezing temperatures overnight and measured fluctuations in photosynthesis and sugar content. Whatever the temperature, after the stress treatment photosyn...

To elucidate the cellular functions of phospholipase A(2) in plants, an Arabidopsis cDNA encoding a secretory low molecular weight phospholipase A(2) (AtsPLA(2)beta) was isolated. Phenotype analyses of transgenic plants showed that overexpression of AtsPLA(2)beta promotes cell elongation, resulting in prolonged leaf petioles and inflorescence stems, whereas RNA interference-mediated silencing o...

Maize (Zea mays) has a highly branched inflorescence due to the production of different types of axillary meristems. Characterization of the barren inflorescence class of mutants has led to the discovery of genes required for axillary meristem initiation in the inflorescence. Previous studies showed that barren inflorescence2 (bif2) encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates auxin...

Vertical raceme or spike inflorescences that are bee-pollinated tend to present their flowers horizontally. Horizontal presentation of flowers is hypothesized to enhance pollinator recognition and pollination precision, and it may also ensure greater consistency of pollinator movement on inflorescences. We tested the hypotheses using bee-pollinated Corydalis sheareri which has erect inflorescen...

Plant shoots do not respond when they are reoriented relative to gravity at 4 degrees C. However, when returned to vertical at room temperature, these organs bend in response to the previous cold gravistimulation. The inflorescence stem of the Arabidopsis thaliana gravity persistent signal (gps) mutants respond abnormally after the cold gravistimulation: gps1 does not bend when returned to room...

Coconut inflorescence sap (CIS) is sweet, oyster-white and translucent and was reported to be highly nutritive and a good digestive agent. The chemical composition changes including total sugar, reducing sugar, ethanol, total acidity, volatile acid, amino acid, vitamin C and total phenolic contents of postharvest coconut inflorescence sap (PCIS) were investigated during a 12-day natural ferment...

• Premise of the study: Despite recent progress, significant uncertainties remain concerning relationships among early-branching lineages within Viburnum (Adoxaceae), prohibiting a new classification and hindering studies of character evolution and the increasing use of Viburnum in addressing a wide range of ecological and evolutionary questions. We hoped to resolve these issues by sequencing w...

Inflorescence morphology is incredibly diverse. This diversity of form has been a fruitful source of inquiry for plant morphologists for more than a century. Work in the grasses (Poaceae), the tomato family (Solanaceae), and Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) has led to a richer understanding of the molecular genetics underlying this diversity. The character of individual meristems, a combinat...

Correlative control (influence of one organ over another organ) of seeds over maternal growth is one of the most obvious phenotypic expressions of the trade-off between growth and reproduction. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we characterize the physiological and molecular effects of correlative inhibition by seeds on Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) in...