FON4 prevents the multi-floret spikelet in rice.

The spikelet is the specific unit of the grass inflorescence, and produces a variable number of florets (1-40) depending on whether the species displays determinate or indeterminate growth. Spikelet morphogenesis therefore plays an important role in crop yield; for example, in wheat (Triticum aestivum) inflorescences with the indeterminate spikelet, the spikelet meristem is continuously active and produces a plethora of lateral floral meristems, leading to the formation of variable numbers of florets. In inflorescences of rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays) with the determinate spikelet, the spikelet meristem produces the fixed numbers of lateral floral meristems, after which its fate is terminated as a terminal floral meristem, resulting in the formation of one or two florets. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.