Inheritance, distribution and biology of andromonoecy in the agamic complex of the Maximae (Panicoideae)

Panicum maximum belongs to the agamic complex of the Maximae Panicoideae) w hich includes two other species, P. infestum Anders., P. trichocladum K. Sc hum., and several morphologically intermediate types. Andromonoecy and herm aphroditism have been recorded in this complex, but their distribution depe nds on the species, the level of ploidy, the mode of reproduction and the g eographical origin. In particular, hermaphroditism appears to exist only in polyploid apomicts of the species P. maximum and was more frequent in mari time regions. Andromonoecy showed a monogenic and recessive inheritance. In andromonoecious plants, flowering of the male flower occurred later than t hat of the hermaphrodite flower within the spikelet. This flowering discrep ancy varied between clones in respect of both mean and variance. All result s are discussed in terms of the evolutionary process involved.