Abstract Detail

Anatomy and Morphology

Martinez-Gomez, Jesus [1], Specht, Chelsea [2].

Early Inflorescence Development in Allium: Its Umbel-ievablly.

The organization of flowers along the axis of angiosperms strongly influences aspects of life history and is therefore a critical element of plant form and function. Umbellate inflorescence architecture is typically described as all flower shoots (pedicles) arising from a single point. However, high-resolution 3D imaging (SEM) and sections of early developmental stages of inflorescences in the garlic genus Allium (Amaryllidaceae) show a remarkable diversity in both the sequence of floral primordia initiation and phyllotactic organization. This study aims to characterize the ontogenetic inflorescence architecture in Allium and to investigate the developmental mechanism(s) underlying the diverse organization of early umbel development across the genus. Currently, four different umbel organization patterns have been described and placed into an evolutionary context based on our understanding of phylogenetic relationships. We take a candidate gene approach to characterize the spatial expression patterns of meristem maintenance genes, Wuschel, Clavata3 and Knox1 by in situ hybridization among species of Allium that show distinct umbel organization. These genes have been implicated in influencing primordia initiation in model organisms, thus influencing phyllotaxy and ultimately branching architecture. This study will provide insight into the genetic underpinnings of inflorescence architecture diversity, as well as present a novel model system in which to study developmental system drift.

1 - University of California Berkeley, Integrative Biology, 431 Koshland Hall, MC3102, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
2 - University Of California Berkeley, 111 Koshland Hall, MC 3102, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA, 510-642-5601

Keywords:
Evo-devo
Phyllotaxy
Inflorescence Architecture.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Anatomy and Morphology
Location: Exhibit Hall/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PAM004
Abstract ID:319
Candidate for Awards:Developmental and Structural Section best poster