Changes in floret development patterns that may correlate with sex determination in the PCK clade (Poaceae)

Abstract

We investigated changes in floral developmental patterns and sex determination in the PCK (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) clade using a comparative approach and SEM. We identified variation in patterns of floral development that may be correlated with sex determination. Nine different patterns of floret development were identified, based on sex of the lower floret, sequence of stamen development, and rate of glume and lemma differentiation. Although staminate florets are always formed by the abortion of the gynoecium, the timing of abortion differs among species. Similarly, the formation of sterile lower florets showed different pathways that may operate at the level of floral meristem or organ identity. Finally, we discuss several reasons why patterns described for maize and closely related species may not be easily extrapolated to other grasses.