A Molecular and Genetic Analysis of Apical Dominance

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Growth and development in plants is a complex process wherein environmental and physical factors interact substantially with the genotype to determine the actual form of a plant in a particular environment. Apical dominance (correlative inhibition and control of lateral branching) is a hormonally regulated process whereby a growing shoot apical meristem controls the development and growth of axillary buds, and thus has a major impact on the shape a plant attains. The research proposed herein utilizes modern genetic methods to identify, characterize and clone genes which are responsible for the phenotypic expression of decreased apical dominance (increased branching) in Petunia hybrida. A study of the genes which control apical dominance will provide insight into the mechanisms underlying correlative inhibition. The knowledge provided by this research will further the understanding of the molecular and physiological processes controlled by these genes. In the long term the intent is to use this knowledge and genetic materials to investigate the biochemistry and physiology of correlative inhibition.