5th Annual Penn State Symposium in Plant Physiology; May l7-19, l990, University Park, PA.

This symposium provides an up-to-date assessment of our knowledge of the biosynthesis, metabolism and molecular biology of polyamines and ethylene. Presentations by outstanding researchers in the field will provide a critical analysis of the involvement of polyamines and ethylene in plant growth, development, and responses to stress. The antagonistic roles of these molecules in senescence, plant stress and development will be examined, as well as the possible regulatory mechanisms for the ethylene and polyamine pathways. Polyamines and ethylene are the two important topics that will be discussed during the 5th Annual Penn State Symposium in Plant Physiology. Polyamines are compounds that have been implicated as markers for male fertility and in flower development. Evidence also suggests that polyamines may retard senescence. Ethylene has been shown to play an important regulatory role in many physiological processes including sex expression, flower initiation and the promotion of senescence. The purpose of this symposium is to address a variety of topics on polyamine and researchers working on these two distinct yet overlapping subjects and provide a catalyst for innovative approaches in the future. The symposium will provide students and post doctoral fellows an unusual opportunity to meet and interact in a small group setting with the leaders in this research area. The published proceedings will provide an up-to-date review of research in these rapidly advancing fields which will be of general value to students and scientists in colleges and universities, government, and industry.