Phenomenon of floral reversion in bolting garlic (Allium sativum L.)

In this study, we present investigations of morphological changes in the inflorescence of bolting Allium sativum L., which forms umbel-like inflorescences with small, inconspicuous flowers, bulbils, and leaf-like membranous bracts. Particular attention was focused on the architecture of a single flower, and the full sequence of developmental events and the differentiation of flower elements and inflorescence were traced. During the several-year long investigations of the garlic species, we observed that all inflorescence elements emerged chaotically, taking a completely random place in the inflorescence receptacle and it was impossible to identify the sequence of formation of the individual inflorescence elements. The absence of regular phyllotaxis and the specific sequence of formation of inflorescence elements are characteristic for inflorescence reversion. Since domesticated garlic has lost the capacity for sexual reproduction, it has probably evolved alternative reproduction modes in its developmental strategy, which is reflected by the formation of numerous bulbils (vegetative buds, topsets) in the inflorescence. This is one of the forms of reproductive strategy of the species, which through domestication progresses from sexual to asexual reproduction.