GENETIC-STUDY OF DOUBLE-FLOWER MUTATION I N PLANTS WITH MONOCARPIC SHOOT

The genetic nature of double-flower mutation in plants with monocarpic shoot was studied using opium poppy as a model object. Four double-fl owering forms, distinguished by degree of development and expression o f the mutant trait, were isolated; stable lines were created. Each of the four forms was inherited as a recessive one with complete dominanc e of normal structure of the flower. A series of genes Msp, Pl(1), and Pl(2), which determine the development of microsporangia in metameres of the flower androecium and formation of different double-flowering forms in the plants studied, was identified. The genes were located in different linkage groups. The gene Msp, controlling normal structure of androecium elements, epistatically interacted with the genes Pl(1) and Pl(2), determining development of different phenotypes with double flower.