p. 47317 Flowering and Fruit Development
- Lincoln Taiz, Lincoln TaizUniversity of California, Santa Cruz
- Eduardo Zeiger, Eduardo ZeigerUniversity of California, Los Angeles
- Ian Max MøllerIan Max MøllerAarhus University, Denmark
- and Angus MurphyAngus MurphyUniversity of Maryland
Abstract
This chapter assesses flowering and fruit development. Flowering at the correct time of the year is crucial for the reproductive fitness of the plant. The transition to flowering involves major changes in the pattern of morphogenesis and cell differentiation at the shoot apical meristem (SAM). Ultimately, this process leads to the production of the floral organs: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels. The process by which the SAM becomes committed to forming flowers is termed floral evocation. Photoperiodism and vernalization are two of the most important mechanisms underlying seasonal responses. Photoperiodism is a response to the length of day or night, while vernalization is the promotion of flowering by prolonged cold temperature. Other signals, such as light quality, ambient temperature, and abiotic stress, are also important external cues for plant development. The chapter also considers pollen development, pollination, and double fertilization in flowering plants.
