Abstract
Seeds of Pisum sativum L. var. arvense, P.I. 356980, produce seedlings which are predominantly monopodial with a dominant apical meristem. In some seedlings, however, the shoot-tips die either before emergence of the epicotyl, or shortly thereafter, and further development proceeds by means of one or more secondary branches. The numbers of seedlings with shoot-tip abortions depend on genetic constitution. Germination temperature also affects per cent aborted tips; an increase of up to 20% of aborted tips was obtained at 20°C over the numbers observed at 10°C or 13°C. Genetic control by two or more loci is suggested by the heterotic appearance of the phenomenon in the F2 offspring of parent lines in which shoot-tip abortions are not found. Testa impermeability and basal stem anthocyanin pigmentation are also somehow implicated in shoot-tip abortions. A second phenomenon resulting in loss of apical dominance, premature tip senescence, is occasionally observed. Seedlings so affected were excluded from shoot-tip abortion counts.
Published Version
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