Sex expression as affected by N⁶-benzylaminopurine in staminate inflorescence of luffa cylindrica

The effect of N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BA) on the sex expression of staminate inflorescences of Luffa cylindrica was investigated. Direct application of BA to the staminate inflorescence induced bisexual and pistillate flowers and finally caused the inflorescence to develop into a shoot that was similar to the main shoot. Such modification in a staminate inflorescence from the proximal to the distal nodes is usually in the order of staminate flowers, bisexual flowers, pistillate flowers and foliage leaves (shoot). Pinching of the main stem also caused the inflorescence to develop into a shoot in the absence of lateral shoots. BA-induced femaleness was strengthened when the number of leaves remaining on the plant was increased. On the other hand, application of BA to the shoot apex of the main stem starting at the 2-leaf stage suppressed differentiation of the flower bud on the main stem.