Synopsis
Since its isolation over half a century ago, gibberellin has been recognized as one of the most important classes of plant hormones. 79 free gibberellins and more than 10 conjugates have been chemically characterized as naturally occurring, and advances in technology and methodology promise to elucidate even further the intricate action of this ubiquitous plant hormone. Gibberellin displays organ specificity and photosynthetic sensitivity, and it plays an intrinsic role in the mechanisms of flora differentiation, fruit and seed development, regulation of cell elongation, and growth of roots and tissues. These mechanisms are fully considered in "Gibberelins", which offers an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of this increasingly complex subject. A historical background to the initial characterization of gibberellin introduces the book and provides perspective on the most recent research, including: plant physiology and chemistry; enzymes for gibberellin biosynthesis; molecular and genetic aspects; metabolism and light effects; growth retardants that inhibit gibberellin biosynthesis; applications to crop production and flowering; and fern antheridiogens.
