The inflorescences structure of Cyperus L. section Luzuloidei Kunth (Cyperaceae)

In the present work the inflorescences of 12 species of Cyperus sect. Luzuloidei Kunth sensu Kükenthal were analyzed using the methodology and terminology of Troll's school. All the inflorescences studied are polytelic (indeterminate). The inflorescences are anthela-like or capitate, and can be terminal or pseudolateral. Below the main florescence a paracladial zone is present. In this zone three types of branching were observed, i.e. normal, accessory-axillar and prophyllar branching, whose position vary among the different species. In the paracladial zone a subzone of long paracladia and a subzone of short paracladia were observed. In the short paracladial subzone the spikelets are clustered in fascicles, which can be serial, prophyllar or mixed. Variation in length and position of pherophylls, length of prophyll, number and degree of branching were noticed. The systematic value of the inflorescences in the section Luzuloidei is discussed.     

Inflorescence structure in species of Spartina Schreb. (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae)

The typology developed by Troll was followed to describe inflorescence structures for 15 species of Spartina. In all species here studied, truncation of the terminal spikelet of the main axis and primary paracladium was observed. The truncation can also involve the short paracladia subzone so that the inflorescence is confined to just the long paracladia subzone. A great homogenization of paracladia and maximum ramification degree limited generally to the second order of branching are distinctive characteristics of the genus. Proximal paracladia with third-order branching were found in only three specimens, and in these exceptional cases, the homogenization is partial. Sometimes, in some species, a subzone of long and short paracladia can be distinguished. The absence of trophotagma paracladia in all the species studied was verified. The variation in the structure of the inflorescence among species is due to the differences in the number of short paracladia, long paracladia, total number of primary paracladia and also in the angle of divergence of the long paracladia from the main axis. The latter, in addition to variations in the intercalary growth of the internodes produces modifications in the general appearance of the inflorescences. The systematic and taxonomic value of the inflorescences in Spartina is discussed.     

Die Gattungsmerkmale vonSchizoboea (Gesneriaceae-Didymocarpeae)

The two characters used byBurtt (1974) to segregate the genusSchizoboea fromDidymocarpus, viz. terminal inflorescence and fruit splitting into 4 valves, have been studied in detail: (a) The terminal inflorescence represents a bracteate florescence (sensuTroll), that is an open thyrse, peculiar because of its only two extremely condensed internodes (basic internode + 1 following internode). Correspondingly, there are only two pairs of bracts from which the lower one only is capable to develop axillary partial florescences, i.e. pair-flowered cymes. Thus, the number of cymes is restricted to 2. Because of the condensed internodes, the inconspicuous bracts, and the densely aggregated flowers the two cymes simulate a unitary, terminal structure. By sympodial (± asymmetrically dichasial) linkage of shoot units, composed of an extended internode, a foliage leaf pair (from the axils of which the consecutive units arise) and the florescence,Schizoboea forms (polytelic) anthocladial shoot systems like some genera of the tribeKlugieae (incl.Loxonieae). (b) The fruit dehisces first loculicidally, then each valve splits into three portions (lateral rib and 2 semivalves). Moreover, the 4 placentae become isolated, thus the old fruit comprises 10 elements forming a loose fascicle.—The segregation ofSchizoboea fromDidymocarpus is supported. Whether the affinity is closer toSaintpaulia (as suspected byBurtt) ot toDidymocarpus, remains undecided: In regard to its shoot and inflorescence organization a morphological derivation is possible from both genera.

     

On the inflorescence structure ofAsclepiadaceae

Inflorescence structure in the familyAsclepiadaceae, particularly in the subfamilyAsclepiadoideae, is elucidated using the methodology and terminology of the school ofW. Troll. Asclepiadaceae inflorescences are principally thyrsoid systems, with variability resulting from different degrees of reduction of dichasial paracladia to bostryces, sciadioids, and, finally, to single flowers.     

The Flowering Unit in the Synflorescences of Amaranthaceae

The structure of the synflorescence and the flowering units in Amaranthaceae are characterized. The synflorescence is polytelic. In the flowering unit we recognize the main florescence and the enrichment zone. The florescences may consist of: (1) Fully developed partial florescences bearing three or more flowers; (2) Partial florescences reduced to one or a few fertile flowers having prophylls with more or less modified axillary productions; or (3) No partial florescences but solitary flowers having prophylls with no axillary productions. We described the flowering unit in species with florescences bearing a solitary flower and the flowering unit in species with florescences bearing partial florescences. Hypothesized developmental processes are described, with a view to finding relationships among different models characterized in the family as well as defining characters for cladistic studies, which may be useful to depict all the variations observed.     

Organographic and ontogenetic studies on the inflorescence ofLespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don (Leguminosae)

Structure of inflorescence and its variation were organographically and ontogenetically studied inLespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don. An axillary inflorescence of the species forms a compound inflorescence which is composed of three or four component inflorescences. Each component inflorescence bears four (rarely six), three, two, or one flowers. Based on the arrangement of inflorescence phyllomes, the component inflorescence with four flowers is interpreted as a pseudoraceme bearing two shortened lateral shoots (partial inflorescences) each of which has two flowers. The component inflorescence with one flower appears to be terminated by the flower and to compose the cyme. Organographic observations revealed that the terminally located flower is not truly terminal, but axillary in origin. Ontogenetic observations showed that the apices of component inflorescence and partial inflorescence exist in early developmental stages in spite of variation in the form of component inflorescence. The terminally located flower in the cyme-like inflorescence was thus demonstrated to be laterally borne on the partial inflorescence axis. The component inflorescence composing the cyme-like one inL. cuneata is a reduced form in the number of partial inflorescences and of flowers from the pseudoraceme. The cyme-like inflorescence inL. cuneata resembles the inflorescence ofKummerowia.     

Inflorescence patterns in the woody Brazilian genus Diplusodon (Lythraceae)

The Brazilian genus Diplusodon is the second largest genus within Lythraceae. Their 85 species occupy diverse habitats within the ‘cerrado’ vegetation, and range from shrubs and treelets to dwarf, xylopodium-bearing subshrubs. A comparative-morphological survey of their inflorescence structures using Trollian typology is here presented, as well as some evolutionary considerations drawn from mapping inflorescence characters onto a preliminary phylogeny. The inflorescences of Diplusodon are mostly polytelic, ranging from single racemes to more or less complex double-, triple-, and multiple-racemes. Frondose, compound racemes are plesiomorphic within the genus. Nevertheless, an array of derived features has been found among their species, including production of lateral cymes, proliferation of the main axis, diverse patterns of internode elongation, reduction of subtending leaves to bracts, development of accessory branches, paedomorphic flowering, and, in three species, reversion to monotely.     

Wuchsform,Infloreszenz- und Blütenmorphologie vonEpithema (Gesneriaceae)

The shoot organization and inflorescence structure ofEpithema is analyzed. On the main axis micro- and macrocotyledon (the latter falling off early) are followed by a ± long epicotyl, then a large, solitary leaf (B₃) and above this a dimerous leaf whorl (B₄, B₅). The last internode of the main axis is the basic internode of the main florescence (Troll). Peculiarly enough, the latter includes only one partial florescence which is embraced by its subtending bract (B₆) and represents a capitulum-like, congenital, pair-flowered cincinnus. Paracladia arise from the axils of B₃ to B₅ (sometimes also from the macrocotyledon); they are either reduced to their co-florescence (with the same structure as the main florescence), or carry further shoots resp. co-florescences from the axils of a dimerous leaf whorl.—Epithema can be interpreted as anisophyllous.—From flower morphology and ontogenesis a number of new differential characters are revealed. Together with shoot and inflorescence characters their systematic and possible functional significance is discussed.

Frau Univ.-Prof. Dr. E.Tschermak-Woess zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Basic principles of terminal flower formation

Studies of inflorescences of the mutants bractea and terminal flower1 and double mutant bra tfl1 of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. have shown that the presence of a developed leaf in the node preceding the terminal flower is a necessary condition for the formation of the terminal flower perianth. This means that perianth cannot develop in an abracteose inflorescence of terminal flower. The second necessary condition for the terminal flower formation is a sufficient level of expression of the genes responsible for floral morphogenesis. Combination of these two conditions suffices for the development of a terminal flower with perianth. Since the general principles of organization are common for the majority of Angiosperms, it can be stated that if the abracteose inflorescence is terminated by a flower with perianth, this is a consequence of displacement of the lateral flower into the terminal position.__________Translated from Ontogenez, Vol. 36, No. 2, 2005, pp. 90–95.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Penin, Choob, Ezhova.     

Contributions to the morphology,anatomy, and karyology ofRhabdodendron,and a reconsideration of the systematic position of theRhabdodendronaceae

Rhabdodendron macrophyllum (Spruce ex Benth.)Huber andR. amazonicum (Spruce exBenth.)Huber differ in several anatomical and morphological characters (secretory cavities, hypoderm, peltate hairs, internodal region and petiole). A position of the monotypicRhabdodendronaceae in theCentrospermae as recently suggested is hardly supported: Peltate hairs, lysigenous secretory cavities and spicular cells in the leaves, multilacunar nodes, chromosome number (R. macrophyllum: n = 10; first count for the genus resp. family), ± simultaneous (or slightly centripetal) development of the androeceum, anacrostyly and two ovules in the unicarpellate gynoeceum, apparent disc, monotelic racemes, and data available from literature (pollen, sieve tube plastids) clearly indicate a close affinity toRutaceae, and even make the family rank ofRhabdodendron questionable.     

Time of application of Niagara 10637 for induction of maleness or femaleness inRicinus communis Linn.

Ethyl hydrogen-1-propylphosphonate (Niagara 10637) at concentrations of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/l had two different effects on sex expression ofRicinus communis L. cvIari 132. Higher concentrations (1000 and 2000 mg/l), applied just before emergence of inflorescence i.e. to 90 day old plants, induced a marked increase in female flower number and reduced the number of male flowers on the first inflorescence. However, there was a tendency towards maleness on the second and third inflorescences. When applied to 60 day old plants, the test compound induced a high degree of maleness on the first and second inflorescences. Sex expression was not markedly altered with treatments at still younger stages (seeds and seedlings).     

Synflorescences of species related to Schizachyrium condensatum (Poaceae)

The synflorescences of species related to Schizachyrium condensatum are typologically characterized. This species presents floriferous shoots with complex systems of ramification. In all species the inflorescence is polytelic and truncate. The typological pattern has been described and presents differences in the following parameters: length and shape of the synflorescence, paracladia of the trophotagma subzone and short paracladia subzone. A comparative analysis of the variations observed in the structure of the synflorescence is included.     

Two new aroids from Borneo

Bucephalandra gigantea Bogner, spec nova, is characterized by its large habit, the relatively small inflorescences and the very slender thecae.Hottarum kinabaluense Bogner, spec nova, is differentiated by its ellipsoid ovaries, the smooth petioles and the absence of staminodes.     

MORPHOLOGY,EVOLUTION, AND TAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INFLORESCENCE IN CORDYLANTHUS (SCROPHULARIACEAE)

The genus Cordyhmthus has considerable diversity in its inflorescences while the other genera of tribe Rhinantheae (Scrophulariaceae) uniformly have racemes or spikes. Four distinct inflorescence types are recognized and their homologies and evolutionary history are postulated. Thus it is suggested that the basic florescence type, the elongated spike (Type I), has undergone evolutionary reduction to a few-flowered spike and ultimately to a single-flowered florescence (Type II). Further evolution involving processes of compaction and clustering of the single-flowered florescences has resulted in glomerulate clusters (Type III) and spiciform clusters (Type IV). Knowledge of inflorescence homologies and distribution of the four inflorescence types in the genus has been of considerable aid in formulating a new infrageneric classification. Using evidence primarily from inflorescence, floral, and seed morphology, as well as from geographical distribution and ecology, a classification is proposed establishing three subgenera, namely subg. Dicranostegia, subg. Hemistegia, and subg. Cordylanthus, the last with three sections, sect. Cordylanthus, sect. Anisocheila, and sect. Ramosi.     

Shoot regeneration,re-flowering and post flowering survival in bamboo inflorescence culture

In vitro grown inflorescences of Bambusa edulis were used to investigate the process of vegetative shoot growth in detail. The findings revealed that auxins and ACC could be significant growth regulators in this process. Overall, auxins [NAA, indolebutyric acid (IBA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)] induced inflorescences to grow vegetative shoots. However, the efficiency of shoot regeneration varied. A greater percentage (27.3–34.5) of inflorescences in the 5 mg l⁻¹ NAA, 10 mg l⁻¹ NAA, and 1 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-D treatments formed more vegetative shoots than those exposed to other treatments. IBA promoted shoot regeneration less effectively than NAA and 2,4-D. Fifty percent of regenerated vegetative shoots flowered after 2 months when the medium was supplemented with 5 mg l⁻¹ NAA. All shoots that received 1 mg l⁻¹ 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) flowered in 5 mg l⁻¹ NAA medium. Rooted plantlets were used to examine their survival following in vitro flowering. All plantlets with vegetative shoots, even those with inflorescences, survived and grew.     

Fluorescent chromosome banding in the cultivated species ofCapsicum (Solanaceae)

Fluorochrome chromosome banding is applied for the first time to 15 samples of five cultivatedCapsicum species, all with 2n = 24, and allows a detailed analysis of the karyotypes (Tables 2–3, Fig. 8). Banding patterns differ between cytotypes, species and groups, reflecting the dynamics of chromosomal differentiation and evolutionary divergence. Taxa have from 1 to 4 NOR-bearing satellited chromosome pairs and exhibit increasing numbers of terminal (rarely intercalary and indistinct centromeric) heterochromatic fluorescent bands. Amounts of heterochromatin (expressed in % of karyotype length) increase from the group withC. annuum (1.80–2.88),C. chinense (3.91–5.52), andC. frutescens (5.55) toC. baccatum (7.30–7.56), and finally toC. pubescens (18.95). In all taxa CMA+DAPI—(GC-rich) constitutive heterochromatin dominates, onlyC. pubescens has an additional CMAo DAPI+ (AT-rich) band. The fluorochrome bands generally (but not completely) correspond to the Giemsa C-bands. Structural heterozygosity can be demonstrated but is not prominent. The independent origin of at least three evolutionary lines leading to the cultivated taxa ofCapsicum is supported.Chromosome studies inCapsicum (Solanaceae), V. For the fourth part seeMoscone & al. 1995.     

Sex expression in fruiting male vines of kiwifruit

Summary In three canes on each of five fruiting male kiwifruit vines (A. deliciosa var. deliciosa (A. Chev) Liang and Ferguson), staminate and bisexual flowers were interspersed, so that staminate, bisexual and mixed inflorescences were found. Further variation in inflorescence composition resulted from the abortion of flower buds prior to anthesis. These two sources of variation, in combination, resulted in 19 inflorescence patterns, which varied substantially in frequency among and within vines. Some tendencies were determined. In particular, most of the inflorescences had retained their terminal flower, whereas just over half had retained one or both primary lateral flowers, and in two-thirds of the inflorescences retaining a terminal flower, this was bisexual. The five vines ranged in bisexual flower frequency from 40% to 70%. Phenotypic Gender (P) estimates are given for each vine, based on the frequencies of staminate and bisexual flowers from three canes per vine. Flower development, lability in sex expression and the use of P estimates as part of a selection index in breeding for hermaphrodite kiwifruit cultivars are discussed.     

Diversity of inflorescences in the Boutelouinae subtribe (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae)

The Boutelouinae subtribe is comprised of one monophyletic genus, Bouteloua, with 57 species inhabiting the semi-arid regions of the New World. The inflorescences show significant structural variations, which provides an interesting system to examine their morphological evolution and identify characters and processes that may help to understand the group systematics. The structure of inflorescences was studied in 25 species of Bouteloua. All the species covered under this study have truncated polytelic inflorescences. Structural variations in the inflorescence unit among species may be accounted for by: (1) symmetry of the inflorescence unit, (2) total number of long primary branches, (3) total number of spikelets per branch, (4) number of perfect flowers per spikelet, (5) number of rudimentary flowers, and (6) reproductive system. Homogenization and truncation processes account for the diversity of mature inflorescences that exists in Bouteloua. In this work, we discuss the systematic and taxonomic value of the inflorescence in the Boutelouinae subtribe.     

Prevention of flower development in birch and other plants using a BpFULL1::BARNASE construct

The prevention of flower formation is important for avoiding the spread of transgenes from genetically modified plants into wild populations. Moreover, the resources not expended for the generation of flowers and fruits might be allocated to increased vegetative growth. We have been developing methods for preventing flower formation in silver birch (Betula pendula), a tree species of considerable economical importance in the boreal region. Here we study the suitability of the promoter of BpFRUITFULL-LIKE1 (BpFULL1, formerly BpMADS5) for tissue-specific ablation of inflorescences in Arabidopsis, tobacco and birch. With all these species, the development of inflorescences was successfully prevented. The results show that the BpFULL1::BARNASE construct has potential biotechnological applications in different plant species.This revised version was published online in March 2005 because the name of the second author (M. Hassinen) was missing.