In rice culture, where seed production is the primary objective, the process of spikelet formation is of major interest. The number and development of spikelets which are differentiated by the panicle directly affect the grain yield. Moreover, the spikelet formation process, especially the stage of differentiation and development of generative cells and the flower-fertilization stage, is the most sensitive to environmental stresses. Subjection to environmental stress at this stage results in severe injuries with consequent reduction in the yield. These stresses include temperature stress, physiological stresses associated with soil, high salinity, flood, drought and fungus infection. The response of the plant differs according to the developmental stage at which it experiences the stress. Thus, an understanding of rice reproductive function and physiology is extremely important to make clear how the morphogenesis of rice spikelets, and especially that of the reproductive organs, takes place, and indeed how it is altered under various stress conditions. Here also, the mode of adaptation of rice plants to environmental stress is discussed, with the conclusion that the plant changes its propagation strategies from sexual reproduction to asexual through vegetative proliferation in order to preserve its descendents.
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Only a very few studies have been undertaken on sexual organogenesis, sex expression and mode of propogation. Though the information in this book is restricted to the rice plant, this knowledge can be applied to other crops and non-crop plants. It has been written not only for researchers and students in agronomy who are concerned with rice studies and production, but also, for those who are concerned with reproductive physiology and morphogenesis. Many scanning electron microscope pictures and other figures are provided for the sake of clarity and as an aid to the understanding of the reader.
