The flowering plants now dominate the terrestrial ecosystems of theplanet, and there are good reasons for supposing that the floweritself has been a major contributing factor to the spread of theAngiosperms. The flowers of higher plants not only contain theorgans of plant reproduction but are of fundamental importance ingiving rise to fruits and seeds which constitute a major componentof the human diet. This volume opens with a chapter describing a model for theevolution of the Angiosperm flower. Chapters 2 to 5 describe thecore development of the flower and include floral induction, floralpattering and organ initiation, floral shape and size, andinflorescence architecture. Chapters 6 to 8 focus on morespecialised aspects of floral development: monoecy, cytoplasmicmale sterility and flowering in perennials. Chapters 9 and 10address more functional aspects: flower colour and scent. The bookconcludes, appropriately, with a chapter on flowersenescence. Applied aspects are stressed wherever appropriate, and the book isdirected at researchers and professionals in plant genetics,developmental and molecular biology. The volume has been designed to complement an earlier volume in ourAnnual Plant Reviews series, O'Neill, S. D. and Roberts, J. A.(2002) Plant Reproduction.

The Evolution of Plant Form is an exceptional new volume in Wiley-Blackwell’s highly successful and well established Annual Plant Reviews. Written by recognised and respected researchers, this book delivers a comprehensive guide to the diverse range of scientific perspectives in land plant evolution, from morphological evolution to the studies of the mechanisms of evolutionary change and the tools with which they can be studied. This title distinguishes itself from others in plant evolution through its synthesis of these ideas, which then provides a framework for future studies and exciting new developments in this field. The first chapter explores the origins of the major morphological innovations in land plants and the following chapters provide an exciting, in depth analysis of the morphological evolution of land plant groups including bryophytes, lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. The second half of the book focuses on evolutionary studies in land plants including genomics, adaptation, development and phenotypic plasticity. The final chapter provides a summary and perspective for future studies in the evolution of plant form. The Evolution of Plant Form provides essential information for plant scientists and evolutionary biologists. All libraries and research establishments, where biological and agricultural sciences are studied and taught, will find this important work a vital addition to their shelves.

Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 14 It is difficult to over-state the importance of plant pigments in biology. Chlorophylls are arguably the most important organic compounds on earth, as they are required for photosynthesis. Carotenoids are also necessary for the survival of both plants and mammals, through their roles in photosynthesis and nutrition, respectively. The other plant pigment groups, such as flavonoids and betalains, have important roles in both the biology of plants and the organisms with which plants interact. This book provides an overview of pigment chemistry and biology, together with an up-to-date account of the biosynthesis of pigments and the modification of their production using biotechnology. The chapters cover a wide scope of pigmentation research - from the importance of structural diversity in generating the range of colours seen in plants, through to improving human health properties of crops by increasing pigment levels in transgenic plants. The volume is directed at researchers and professionals in plant biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics.

Commencing with a chapter which places Physcomitrella into phylogenetic position, this important publication then covers the following major topics. Population genetics, genome, transcripts and metabolomics, gene targeting, hormones, small RNAs, tip growth, chloroplasts, sporophyte development, desiccation and oxidative stress, sugar metabolism, and pathogenesis. With chapters contributed by many of the World's leading workers in the area, this landmark book is essential reading for all those studying plant evolutionary biology, genomics, molecular and cell biology and genetics.

Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 23 A much clearer picture is now emerging of the fine structure of the plant cuticle and its surface, the composition of cuticular waxes and the biosynthetic pathways leading to them. Studies assessing the impact of UV radiation on plant life have emphasized the role of the cuticle and underlying epidermis as optical filters for solar radiation. The field concerned with the diffusive transport of lipophilic organic non-electrolytes across the plant cuticle has reached a state of maturity. A new paradigm has recently been proposed for the diffusion of polar compounds and water across the cuticle. In the context of plant ecophysiology, cuticular transpiration can now be placed in the perspective of whole-leaf water relations. New and unexpected roles have been assigned to the cuticle in plant development and pollen-stigma interactions. Finally, much progress has been made in understanding the cuticle as a specific and extraordinary substrate for the interactions of the plant with microorganisms, fungi and insects. This volume details the major developments of recent years in this important interdisciplinary area. It is directed at researchers and professionals in plant biochemistry, plant physiology, plant ecology, phytopathology and environmental microbiology, in both the academic and industrial sectors.

First discovered as fungal metabolites, the gibberellins were recognised as plant hormones over 50 years ago. They regulate reproductive development in all vascular plants, while their role in flowering plants has broadened to include also the regulation of growth and other developmental processes. This timely book covers the substantial and impressive recent advances in our understanding of the gibberellins and their roles in plant development, including the biosynthesis, inactivation, transport, perception and signal transduction of these important hormones. An introductory chapter traces the history of gibberellin research, describing the many discoveries that form the basis for the recent progress. The exciting emerging evidence for the interaction of gibberellin signalling with that of the other hormones is critically evaluated. The occurrence of gibberellins in fungal, bacterial and lower plant species is also discussed, with emphasis on evolution. Manipulation of gibberellin metabolism and signal transduction through chemical or genetic intervention has been an important aspect of crop husbandry for many years. The reader is presented with important information on the advances in applying gibberellin research in agriculture and horticulture. Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 49: The Gibberellins is an important resource for plant geneticists and biochemists, as well as agricultural and horticultural research workers, advanced students of plant science and university lecturers in related disciplines. It is an essential addition to the shelves of university and research institute libraries and agricultural and horticultural institutions teaching and researching plant science.

The ability to control the rates of metabolic processes in response to changes in the internal or external environment is an indispensable attribute of living cells that must have arisen with life's origin. This adaptability is necessary for conserving the stability of the intracellular environment which is, in turn, essential for maintaining an efficient functional state. The advent of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics has revolutionised the study of plant development and is now having a significant impact on the study of plant metabolism and its control. In the last few years, significant advances have been made, with the elucidation of enzyme gene families and the identification of new proteinaceous and allosteric regulators. The first part of this volume is devoted to generic aspects of metabolic control, with chapters on the key control points in pathways. Part Two considers the control of specific pathways, with detailed descriptions (including structures) and discussions of the regulation of these pathways, particularly in terms of the enzymology. The book is directed at researchers and professionals in plant biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology and cell biology.