The peanut gynophore: a developmental and physiological perspective

Abstract

The peanut plant (Arachis hypogaea L.) produces flowers aerially, but it is able to "sow" its own seeds as a result of the growth of a specialized organ called the gynophore. The peanut gynophore is sensitive to light, touch, and gravity, and it is capable of transporting the recently fertilized ovules into the soil. For gynophore growth to occur, many physiological changes in plant hormone accumulation and distribution take place throughout its development. The unique characteristics and physiological events occurring during the gynophore's growth and development, such as its growth rates and indole-3-acetic acid redistribution during gravistimulation, will be reviewed. The peanut gynophore illustrates that the study of the odd or unusual can often provide valuable answers about the typical.Key words: Arachis hypogaea, geocarpy, gravitropism, gynophore, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), peanut.