Isolation and characterization of novel mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana defective in flower development

We have isolated a number of mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, a member of the mustard family, that have defects in flower development and morphogenesis. Of these, five mutants have been extensively characterized. Two mutants (Fl-40, Fl- 48) lacking petals show homeotic conversion of sepals to carpels. One mutant (Fl-54) displays highly variable phenotypes, including several types of homeotic variations, loss or distorted positions of the floral organs as well as abnormal structures on the inflorescence. Two other mutants (Fl-82, Fl-89) show aberrant structures in the pistils. Genetic analyses have revealed that these mutations are single and recessive, except for one mutant whose mutational loci still remain to be determined. These mutants may prove useful for the analysis of the genetic control of flower development and morphogenesis in the higher plant.