Editorial: Molecular mechanisms of flowering plant reproduction

Abstract

Plant reproduction is an intricate process important for the survival of all dominant autotrophs and critical in agriculture and stable food production as the basis of our diet. Angiosperms undergo extreme transformations during their ontogeny, leading to the reproductive transition. During this process, several steps are needed, including transforming a shoot apical or a lateral vegetative meristem into an inflorescence meristem with flowering competence. Floral meristems are formed from the latter accompanied by cell differentiation leading to gamete formation in specialized reproductive floral organs. Gamete interaction relies on successful pollination, whether that occurs via biotic or abiotic vectors. In addition, fertilization requires numerous molecular and hormonal signals in place and results in proper pollen tube growth, zygote viability, and seed formation. This Research Topic addresses some of the most outstanding discoveries on angiosperm reproduction in model species like Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa and crops like cauliflower, cassava, citrus, and sugarcane, among others. In the papers on the topic, the reader will discover highlights on extremely diverse floral promotion pathways, mechanisms of floral organ identity and morphogenesis, sporogenesis and gametogenesis, pollen presentation, pollination, and fertilization strategies.