A recessive temperature dependent shooty mutant (tds) of Nicotiana tab
acum L. (W38) is described. The mutant phenotype is expressed at low t
emperature (21 degrees C). Mutant characteristics include thick, narro
w leaves with abnormal mesophyll cells, short internodes, and near abs
ence of apical dominance. Most plants remain vegetative and the occasi
onal flower has petaloid stamens. High temperature (30 degrees C) reve
rses the mutant phenotype, with formation of normal leaves and restora
tion of apical dominance. However, many flowers still have petaloid st
amens. Reciprocal grafting and auxin-cytokinin interaction experiments
do not suggest shifts in auxin-cytokinin balance. Overall, this mutan
t bears some resemblance to transgenic tobacco overexpressing homeodom
ain genes from maize and Arabidopsis.