Here is the first book to treat the control of sexuality in plants. The authors provide a thorough review of the literature and discuss many new findings from their laboratory. They include a review of the evolution and genetics of sexuality, including new data on the effect of primary environmental factors on sex expression and the influence of phytohormones on the expression of sexuality as a function of age. The work discussed here has significant implications for plant breeding. Agronomists, horticulturists, and plant physiologists will find practical information on procedures to use in the field or the green house, as well as a thorough introduction to the principles of flowering and fruiting.

Phytohormone research is a crucially important area of plant sciences. Phytohormones are one of the key systems integrating metabolic and developmental events in the whole plant and the response of plants to external factors. Thus, they influence the yield and quality of crops. During the last decade we have slowly begun to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying phytohormone action, largely as a result of the rapid developments that have been made internationally in the field of plant molecular genetics. Putative receptor proteins for ethylene (1993- 95), brassinosteroids (1997) and cytokinins (2001) have been identified and the genes that encode them cloned. Primary response genes and elements of hormonal signal transduction have also been identified for most known phytohormones. There is now little doubt that phytohormones, like their animal counterparts, function as signal molecules and create a signalling network in the whole plant organism. The in vivo activity of hormones depends, among other things, on their rate of biosynthesis and metabolism, and on their transport into and out of target cells. Consequently, genes and enzymes involved in these processes are of particular interest. In recent years a number of genes encoding enzymes for the synthesis, modification and degradation of different phytohormones have been cloned and identified, as have genes encoding proteins involved in phytohormone transport and its regulation. Some classes of phytohormone have been shown to participate in stress reactions and can increase the resistance of plants to unfavorable environmental factors.

Volume 72 is wholly dedicated to the topic of plant hormones. Although Vitamins and Hormones is normally dedicated to mammalian hormone action, this volume is unique to plants and their actions through receptors. The genetic aspects and the receptorology are reminiscent of the mammlian systems. The well-known hormones are reviewed including cytokinins, abscicic acid, gibberellin and auxin. In addition there are reviews on nitric oxide, brassinosteroids, jasmonate, ethylene, and pheromones. Other topics included are genes that are regulated by abscicic acid and gibberellin, functional differentiation and transition of peroxisomes, plant antioxidants, gravitropic bending and the actions of plant hormones on glutathione transferase. *Includes color illustrations *Available on ScienceDirect *Longest running series published by Academic Press *Contributions by leading international authorities

view than its own proper males should fecundate each blossom." ANDREW KNIGHT Philosophical Transactions, 1799 Pollination mechanisms and reproduction have a decisive bearing upon rational procedures in plant breeding and crop production. This book intends to furnish' under one cover an integrated botanical, genetical and breeding-methodologi cal treatment of the reproductive biology of spermatophytes mainly angiosperms; it is based on an advanced topical course in plant breeding taught at the Hebrew University of Jerusa lem. We have tried to present a coverage which is concise, but as comprehensive as possible, of the pollination mechanism and modes of reproduction of higher plants, and to illustrate topics, whenever practicable, by examples from cultivated plants. Nevertheless, some relevant publications may have escaped our attention or may not be mentioned because of various limitations. The book is organized into three parts. The first part starts with an evaluation of the significance of the different pollination mechanisms for plant breeding and crop produc tion, describes modes of reproduction in higher plants and discusses ecology and dynamics of pollination. The second part is devoted to crops propagated by self pollination and describes specific breeding procedures for such crops. The third part details sexual reproduction in higher plants and handles three mechanisms involved in the prevention of self pollination and their utilization in plant breeding: sex expres sion, incompatibility, and male sterility.

Here is the first book to treat the control of sexuality in plants. The authors provide a thorough review of the literature and discuss many new findings from their laboratory. They include a review of the evolution and genetics of sexuality, including new data on the effect of primary environmental factors on sex expression and the influence of phytohormones on the expression of sexuality as a function of age. The work discussed here has significant implications for plant breeding. Agronomists, horticulturists, and plant physiologists will find practical information on procedures to use in the field or the green house, as well as a thorough introduction to the principles of flowering and fruiting.

While there are a few plant cell biology books that are currently available, these are expensive, methods-oriented monographs. The present volume is a textbook for upper undergraduate and beginning graduate students. This textbook stresses concepts and is inquiry-oriented. To this end, there is extensive use of original research literature. As we live in an era of literature explosion, one must be selective. These judgements will naturally vary with each investigator. Input was sought from colleagues in deciding the literature to include. In addition to provision of select research literature, this volume presents citations and summaries of certain laboratory methods. In this connection, the textbook stresses quantitative data to enhance the student?s analytical abilities. Thus the volume contains computer-spread sheets and references to statistical packages, e.g. Harvard Graphics and Statistica.

This well timed volume features a selection of chapters composed by experts in their respective fields. It covers a broad range of topics, from its fundamental biology to the fern’s population genetics and environmental and therapeutic applications.

In a convenient, single-source reference, this book examines plant growth substances and their relationship to a wide range of physiological processes, ranging from seed germination through the death of the plant. If offers a clear illustration of the pragmatic uses of plant substances in agriculture and demonstrates how basic laboratory research has translated into increased production and profit for the grower. This work begins by building a solid foundation in the subject, which contains historical aspects and fundamental concepts, and provides a methodology for extraction, purification, and quantification of plant growth substances. This forms the basis for understanding the ensuing chapters that explore the many processes involving plant growth substances, including: * seed germination * seedling growth * rooting * dormancy * juvenility * maturity * senescence * flowering * abscission * fruit set * fruit growth * fruit development * premature drop * ripening * promotion of fruit drop * tuberization * photsynthesis * weed control. Providing a detailed examination of plant growth substances and their relationships to specific physiological plant processes, Plant Growth Substances gives students, researchers, and professionals a much needed reference.

Cytokinins are hormones involved in all aspects of plant growth and development and are essential for in vitro manipulation of plant cells and tissues. Much information has been gathered regarding the chemistry and biology of cytokinins, while recent studies have focused on the genetics and cytokinin-related genes. However, other than proceedings of symposia, no single volume on cytokinins has been written. This book is the first of its kind, homing in on the key subject areas of cytokinin-chemistry, biosynthesis, metabolism, activity, function, genetics, and analyses. These areas are comprehensively reviewed in individual chapters by experts currently active in the field. In addition, a personal history on the discovery of cytokinin is presented by Professor Folke Skoog. This volume summarizes previous findings and identifies future research directions.

Here is the first book to treat the control of sexuality in plants. The authors provide a thorough review of the literature and discuss many new findings from their laboratory. They include a review of the evolution and genetics of sexuality, including new data on the effect of primary environmental factors on sex expression and the influence of phytohormones on the expression of sexuality as a function of age. The work discussed here has significant implications for plant breeding. Agronomists, horticulturists, and plant physiologists will find practical information on procedures to use in the field or the green house, as well as a thorough introduction to the principles of flowering and fruiting.