Plant Architecture

Abstract

The manipulation and control of plant height and shape is an integral part of modern intensive agricultural and horticultural production systems and brings several benefits to the farmer/grower. The most commonly used method to control plant height is through application of growth retardants. These are effective in all species and were developed to primarily affect stem elongation without having adverse effects on other aspects of plant growth and development. In recent years progress in plant biotechnology has provided an alternative approach to controlling plant architecture through the use of genetic modification. Whilst the technology is still being developed to address issues of public concern (‘genetic pollution’ and the use of antibiotic marker genes), it is clearly a very rapid and powerful means by which specific traits can be targeted in a very defined manner. Given the appropriate controls, genetic modification has the potential to be greatly beneficial to the environment by reducing the need to spray vast quantities of chemicals, including growth regulators, onto glass and field grown crops. This chapter will focus on the control of plant architecture in commercial crops through genetic manipulation.