Inflorescence architecture: the transition from branches to flowers

Abstract

The shapes of flowers and their organization into branching systems, called inflorescences, dictate much of plant diversity. Recent studies have identified key regulators in this diversity, revealing that the inflorescence architecture of Solanaceous species depends on sequential and temporal expression of the WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) gene EVERGREEN (EVG)/ COMPOUND INFLORESCENCE (S) and the UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) ortholog DOUBLE TOP (DOT)/ANANTHA (AN).