Growth and development of Brassica genotypes differing in endogenous gibberellin content. I. Leaf and reproductive development

Abstract

Leaf and reproductive development were compared in 3 rapid cycling Brassica rapa genotypes grown for 4 weeks under greenhouse conditions. The dwarf mutant, rosette (ros), is gibberellin (GA)-deficient, while the tall mutant, elongated internode (ein), has enhanced endogenous GA levels. Germination was delayed in ros and a selection of a more severe form of ros, named dormant (do), has even more retarded germination and some seeds entirely fail to germinate. Seeds of do and ros respond to exogenous GA, by rapid germination. The 3 genotypes, ros, normal and ein, displayed similar developmental sequences, although floral bud formation and subsequent floral development and anthesis were delayed in ros. Conversely, anthesis was slightly accelerated in ein. Individual leaf areas were reduced in both ros and ein relative to the normal genotype, but leaf numbers were similar in all 3 genotypes. Differences in leaf morphology (heterophylly) were also observed; the normal genotype and ein plants possessed uniform leaf shapes and relatively smooth leaf margins, although petiole length was increased in ein. The mutant ros had scalloped leaf margins and convoluted leaf blades in addition to shortened petioles. These phenotypes suggest a role for GA in the regulation of germination and reproductive and leaf development in Brassica.