Studies in the Alismataceae. VII. Disruption of phyllotactic and organogenetic patterns in pseudostolons of Echinodorus tenellus by means of growth-active substances

Abstract

Treatment of plants of Echinodorus tenellus with gibberellic acid (GA) and kinetin (K) resulted in major but erratic changes in the developmental pattern of the pseudostolons (sterilized inflorescences). Both GA and K can cause the pseudostolon meristem to become vegetative and can cause the production of additional large vegetative buds. Where additional buds are present, phyllotaxis can be modified, particularly in relation to the maintenance or reversal of genetic spiral. K can induce disturbances in the arrangement of bracts by modifying or breaking down the normal pseudowhorled arrangement. The pseudostolon of E. tenellus is visualized as a developmental system which is basically very stable, though made up of several elements of pattern which may be affected independently by experimental treatment.