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Expression of Sex in Flowering Plants

Nature volume 180, pages 614–615 (1957)Cite this article

Abstract

In a recent important review of the literature, Heslop-Harrison1 has listed external variables which may modify sex-expression in flowering plants. The effects of variations in mineral nutrition, in the light regime and in temperature, of mutilation, grafting and the application of chemicals and hormones on the differential production of pistillate and staminate flowers are described. To this review should be added a body of literature on the effects of parasites which, by affecting differently the development of the gynoecium and the androecium, may influence the ultimate ‘sex’ of the flower. A curious case occurs in the grass Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) Holmb., where a late infection of the inflorescence by the smut fungus Ustilago longissima (Sow.) Mayen may transform the ovary into a leafy shoot while the stamens are little affected2.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany Department, University College of Ghana, Achimota

    H. G. BAKER

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  1. H. G. BAKER
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BAKER, H. Expression of Sex in Flowering Plants. Nature 180, 614–615 (1957). https://doi.org/10.1038/180614a0

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