The Multi-Pistil Phenomenon in Higher Plants

TL;DR

This paper reviews the causes and effects of flowers having multiple pistils in various plants and how it could be used to improve crop seed production.

Contribution

The paper systematically reviews the multi-pistil phenomenon across multiple species and identifies hybridization and mutation as key causes.

Findings

Hybridization and mutation are the main causes of the multi-pistil phenotype in plants.

Nuclear–cytoplasmic interactions, temperature, and shading influence the inheritance of the trait.

The multi-pistil trait can affect plant yield and has potential for increasing seed production in crops.

Abstract

Correct floral morphology determines the accuracy of fruit formation, which is crucial for reproductive success in higher plants. Despite this, an abnormal, multi-pistil phenotype has been observed in the flowers of many plants. In this review, we gather information on the multi-pistil phenomenon in various species and highlight potential causes, as well as possible consequences, of the trait. Our assessment of the reported multi-pistil phenotype in rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Medicago, sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), and rapeseed (Brassica napus L. and B. campestris L.) leads us to conclude that hybridization and mutation are the main factors that give rise to this phenotype. We also delve into the inheritance patterns of the multi-pistil phenotype and factors that influence this trait, such as nuclear–cytoplasmic interactions, temperature conditions, and shading. Finally, we discuss the effects of multi-pistil flowers on the yield of these plants. This analysis increases our understanding of floral development and lays the foundation for the potential utilization of the multi-pistil trait to increase seed production in crops.