Abnormal growth in the plant (fasciation)

Abstract

Fasciation (or cristation) is a morphological alteration in plant organs that involves widening of the shoot apical meristem, flattening of the stem, and changes in a leaf arrangement. A multitude of natural and manmade events can generate physiological fasciation. Insect assault, mechanical pressure and/or tension during growth in some species such as asparagus and liana species, and sowing time and density are all-natural environmental influences. One of the original seven Mendelian pairs of traits was the fasciated variety of Pisumsativum L. (formerly known as P. umbellatum; Synonyms: mummy pea, crown pea, poisturk, poiscoronne). In many species, it is genetically determined. FASCIATA is the name of the gene that causes fasciation to occur (FA). Because of the great level of control over the plant material and growth circumstances that in vitro produced fasciated plants provide, they can be useful models for investigating the causes and development of fasciation.