Bulb and inflorescence development in Leucocoryne ixioides (Hook.) Lind.

Summary

Leucocoryne (Alliaceae) is a genus of bulbous plants with cut-flower potential. They are native to central Chile, which experiences a Mediterranean climate. The plants are ‘dormant’ during the heat of Summer (as bulbs, with no external leaf or root development). Leucocoryne plants ‘resume’ growth in Autumn, with the arrival of the rains and falling temperatures, and flower towards the end of their growth cycle, as temperatures rise again in Spring. Leaf and inflorescence initiation began during the Summer ‘dormant’ period and ended the following Spring. They emerged from the bulbs during the same growth cycle as they initiated. Leucocoryne bulbs consist of a series of sympodial units, each containing two leaves and a terminal inflorescence. The renewal meristem for each unit was initiated at the base of the inflorescence, in the axil of the younger leaf primordium. Leucocoryne bulbs were replaced each growing season. Secondary bulbs were initiated in the axils of the oldest, recently-initiated, leaves during late Spring.     

Effect of light conditions on the development of the inflorescence in tomato

By growing tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in 4 different light regimes (2 photoperiods — 8 and 16 h — combined with 2 light intensities — 9,000 and 18,000 ergs cm^?2 s^?1, it was shown that increasing light integrals hastened flower initiation, greatly promoted the development of the inflorescence and increased the rates of leaf production and the growth of the stem. In similar light integrals, flower initiation was earlier and inflorescence development far better in short photoperiods than in long ones; the rates of leaf production were almost the same and stem growth was greater in long days.Transfer experiments from favourable to insufficient light conditions and inverse transfers at different times during the life of the plant indicated that light conditions were critical at the time of, and after, the macroscopic appearance of the inflorescence. At that stage, a transfer to low light conditions for 10 days induced complete abortion of the truss in our growth conditions. The effect of a transfer from insufficient to favourable light conditions was slower since at least 15 days in these latter conditions were required in order to achieve the development of the inflorescence.     

卡特兰的花芽形态分化

采用石蜡切片法观察了卡特兰‘Green World’花芽的形态发生和结构发育过程。研究表明：在北方温室环境条件下,卡特兰花芽分化从7月初花序原基分化开始至9月下旬合蕊柱及花粉块形成历时约3个月。其过程可分为6个时期：未分化期、花序原基分化期、花蕾原基分化期、萼片原基分化期、花瓣原基分化期、合蕊柱及花粉块分化期。其中,花蕾原基分化期、合蕊柱及花粉块分化期历时长,分化较慢,其它时期历时短,分化较快。自萼片原基分化期开始,新生植株生长已基本停止。     

The effect of sucrose on the expression of the VvTFL1 and VFL genes during flower development in the “Xiangfei” grapevine

VFL and VvTFL1 genes expression patterns and the effects of sucrose on the expression of VFL and VvTFL1 genes in different organs of the “Xiangfei” grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) were investigated. VvTFL1 gene expression was detected in the meristem of the apical bud and lateral bud, but was not detected during inflorescence differentiation and flower organ development. After sucrose treatment, VvTFL1 gene expression increased in the apical bud, but decreased in the lateral bud. These results suggested that the VvTFL1 gene might be mainly involved in the apical growth process of shoots, and exogenous sucrose had an effect on the VvTFL1 gene by increasing shoot apical meristem initiation of apical buds. The VFL gene was expressed primarily during inflorescence differentiation and early flower organ development, but it gradually reduced in later flower development. After sucrose treatment, VFL gene expression increased in the inflorescence and small or middle flower, but a little change was seen in the large flower. These results suggested that the VFL gene plays important roles in the initiation of inflorescence meristems and the morphological formation of flower organs. Exogenous sucrose had an effect on VFL gene expression at the early stage of flower development.     

The effect of timing of post-harvest foliar urea sprays on nitrogen absorption and partitioning in peach and nectarine trees

Summary

The effects of timing of autumn foliar urea-N sprays on nitrogen absorption and partitioning were studied in mature peach and nectarine trees. A 10% ¹⁵N enriched urea solution was applied by either dipping individual shoots in 1995 or spraying whole tree canopies in 1996. Trees whose canopies were sprayed during the post-harvest period with a 10% w:v urea solution in 1996 were excavated in the dormant season, and ¹⁵N contents and distribution were determined. Peach leaves rapidly absorbed urea-N irrespective of application date, and transport of urea-N to perennial tree parts occurred primarily within 4–7 d after application. Between 48 and 58% of the urea-N applied was recovered in abscinded leaves and perennial organs. Leaves exported ≥60% of the foliar-applied urea-N following application in early autumn (September or October), but <50% export occurred when applied shortly before leaf fall (November). Of the urea-N translocated, most was recovered in roots (≥38%) following application in September or October. Urea-N applied in November, however, remained largely in the current year wood (ca. 45%). Thus, export and translocation of foliar applied urea-N diminished during the final stages of leaf senescence. Foliar application of urea in September or October supplied the equivalent of about 20% of crop nitrogen content, but only 14% (i.e. ca. 30% lower) when applied shortly before leaf senescence in November.     

‘四季桂’不同季节的花芽分化与发育比较

利用显微解剖和石蜡切片技术,对四季桂品种群中‘四季桂’(Osmanthus fragrans‘Sijigui’)不同季节的花芽分化及开花特性进行研究。‘四季桂’一年成花3次,分别于3月初、6月上旬和10月底开始花芽分化,4月下旬、8月底和11月底完成,分别历时约2个月、2个半月和1个月。6月开始的花芽分化和开花过程与秋桂品种群基本相似,分化后需要低温才能开花,最终形成聚伞花序,无总梗,花粉发育正常。而10月底分化的花芽在完成分化后随即开花,形成的花序有总梗,且有伸长与未伸长之分,长度分别为(0.80±0.11)cm和(3.50±0.71)cm。3月分化的花芽与新梢同时生长发育,分化完成后随即开花。春季和冬季的两次分化形成的均是圆锥状花序,具总梗,花粉均败育。结果表明‘四季桂’自身存在着不同的成花机制。     

Responses of native Lupinus varius (L.) to culture conditions: effects of photoperiod and sowing time on growth and flowering characteristics

The effects of photoperiod and sowing time on growth and flowering characteristics of Lupinus varius were investigated during two growing periods to determine its responses to culture conditions as a potential native cut-flower crop. The seeds were sown in an unheated plastic greenhouse on 28 September, 28 October and 28 November under natural, 14- and 16-h day-length treatments. 14- and 16-h day-lengths were established by lengthening the natural day-lengths to 14 and 16 h with the use of night break photoperiodic lighting at 1.8–1.9 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in 400–700 nm. Photoperiodic lighting, in particular the 16-h day-length treatments, slightly (maximally 15 days) shortened days to flowering and increased plant height in all sowing times relative to natural photoperiods. There were no significant differences in stem and branch inflorescence diameters, in lengths of branch, in main and branch inflorescences in plants grown under natural photoperiod, and 16-h day-length treatments. The highest main inflorescence diameter, the number of branches per plant, and flower numbers on main and branch inflorescences were recorded in plants grown under natural photoperiods, whereas 14-h day-length treatments did not provide sufficient specimens to allow for the measurement of most of the characteristics studied. These findings were interpreted to indicate that L. varius behaves as a facultative long day plant. Additionally, there was a particular shortening of days to flower and growth, and flowering quality decreased linearly with delayed sowing dates under all photoperiodic treatments. The earliest and latest flowering dates were recorded for plants sown in September under 16-h day-length, and plants sown in November under natural photoperiods, respectively. Therefore, sowing in September under natural photoperiods or 16-h artificial day-length resulted in earlier flowering dates and a longer time from sowing to flowering and was consequently the best sowing time with respect to all of the characteristics considered in this study.     

Inflorescence development of flowering and blasted gladiolus plants in relation to development of other plant parts

Flower differentiation in Gladiolus × grandiflorus takes place immediately after initation of all the leaves. The prefloral stage was observed in shoots 3–4 mm long and the shoot apex was floral when the first foliage leaf was half extended.Initiation of individual florets continued up to the 7-leaf stage. Flower development is acropetal and continued up to anthesis of each individual floret.Flower blasting generally starts at the tip of the inflorescence and advances towards the base of the flower stalk. Blasting starts as a stoppage in the growth of the inflorescence, the flower stalk and the leaves on the stalk. Later these organs shrivel. Daughter corms fill early as a consequence of blasting.     

日本矮紫薇花芽形态分化的研究

日本矮紫薇花芽由中上部侧枝和主枝顶芽发育而成,花芽分化从4月末开始至5月末结束,历时30d,包括花序分化和小花分化两个过程,分为形态分化前、开始分化期、花序原基分化期、花蕾分化期、小花花萼分化期、花瓣分化期、雄蕊分化期、雌蕊分化期8个时期,花序和小花分化的顺序分别是离心和向心的.花芽分化与春梢生长有一定的相关性.     

不同栽植期对野生大百合开花期性状及成花过程碳氮代谢的影响

研究了不同栽植期的野生大百合在成花过程中叶片主要营养物质、碳氮比的变化,以及对其生育进程、开花期性状的影响.结果表明:叶片碳水化合物含量与碳氮比在成花过程中呈先上升后下降的趋势,花期结束时有所上升,11月12日栽植的大百合的碳水化合物含量与碳氮比最先达到最高值;各处理含氮量在现蕾期达到最低值,后处于平稳状态;同时11月12日栽植的大百合开花期最长,达到24天;开花率为29.33%,单株花朵数达18朵,且平均每朵花的花穗长11 cm.2月17日后栽植的大百合不能正常生长.     

Factors Controlling Flowering in Seed-Raised Freesia Plants

The effect of plant age, temperature and day-length on flower initiation and development in “ K. & M. Super ” freesias has been studied.

The flowering response decreased with increasing temperature and the critical temperature for flower initiation was found to be about 21°C. An interaction of plant age, temperature, and duration of treatment was present. Short days (9 hrs.) slightly stimulated flower initiation in“ Yellow K. & M. Super” but delayed it in “ Blue K. & M. Super” freesias. Short-day treatment in the open during the summer had no significant effect, whereas shading markedly hastened flowering.

Flowering could be initiated at an early stage, but older plants were more responsive, especially those of “Blue K. & M. Super”. Optimum temperatures for flower initiation were 12-15°C., applied for 6-9 weeks after the plants had formed about seven visible leaves.

Abnormal inflorescences in freesias, recognized by enlarged bracts and irregular spacing of the florets (so-called “gladiolus-like flowers”), appeared to result from incomplete flower initiation. In extreme cases flower stalks without any flowers were formed. In order to avoid such abnormal flowering it was important that the first floret in the inflorescence should have reached a certain stage (P₂) of development before low-temperature treatment was discontinued.     

Competition for water between inflorescences and leaves in cut flowering stems of Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’

Summary

Grevillea cv. ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ has large bright red terminal inflorescences on leafy stems and has recognised commercial potential as a cut flower crop. A major limitation is its relatively short vase-life, often terminated by early wilting of the inflorescence despite apparently turgid leaves. An investigation of the water relations of cut Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ stems revealed that the water potential of inflorescences on intact stems in vases was significantly higher (i.e., less negative) than that of leaves from day-0 to day-3 of vase-life. Thereafter, the water potential of inflorescences declined more rapidly than that of leaves, accompanied by visible wilting of the tepals and styles of individual florets. Removal of leaves from the stems reduced both water uptake and water loss, and delayed the onset of a negative water balance in the inflorescence. Bagging of entire stems, leaves only, or inflorescences only, with micro-perforated plastic film to reduce transpiration, reducing leaf number to reduce leaf area, or supplying abscisic acid to reduce leaf stomatal aperture, all aided relative fresh weight retention by stems and extended vase-life. Four or six leaves on a stem caused greater loss in inflorescence water content than zero or two leaves. Considered collectively, these findings show that competition for water between the inflorescence and the leaves in cut Grevillea ‘Crimson Yul-lo’ stems contributes to the onset of inflorescence wilting and their short vase-life.     

Flowering in pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariaefolium L.). I. Environmental requirements

SUMMARY

Floral evocation in pyrethrum {Tanacetum cinerariaefolium) is stimulated by a period of vernalization. Night temperatures of 6°C and 12°C for two weeks and three weeks, respectively, promote rapid inflorescence initiation and development. A night temperature of 18°C does not satisfy the vernalization requirement. Longer periods of vernalization stimulate more rapid inflorescence initiation and development and result in a larger number of inflorescences being initiated. The vernalization stimulus may be modified by the daily light integral. Both inflorescence initiation and inflorescence development are promoted by long days. The number of leaves formed before flower bud initiation is not affected by daylength. Night-break lighting does not promote flowering. It is suggested that the stimulatory effect of long days may be in supplying photosynthetic assimilates to the developing meristems. Floral development is retarded by low photon flux density conditions regardless of day temperature. High day temperatures (25°C) combined with low photon flux (350 umol m"2 s"' or less) prevented pyrethrum from flowering in otherwise inductive conditions.     

砧木对柑桔嫁接幼树早果影响的生理生化研究

本文研究了枳和红桔两种砧木对柑桔嫁接幼树结果早晚影响的生理生化差异。1.枳砧树较红桔树至少提早二年开花,枳砧树的单叶面积、株高、新梢生长量和干径均小于红桔砧树;2.花芽生理分化期枳砧树叶片的可溶性糖、淀粉及还原糖的含量均高于红桔砧树,叶片总氮含量变化不大,但在花芽形态分化期,砧木对叶片可溶性蛋白质含量的影响较大。叶片C/N比值与花芽形成存在一定相关关系。10月上中旬各因子二种砧木树的相对含量有一明显逆转过程,3.花芽生理分化期枳砧树叶片内源玉米素和脱落酸含量高于红桔砧树,赤霉素(GA_3)低于红桔砧树,整个试验期间,Z/GA_3和ABA/GA_3比值均为枳砧树高于红桔砧树。     

连翘花芽分化及发育的初步研究

 利用普通光学显微镜和扫描电镜对连翘的花芽分化及发育过程进行了观察。观察结果如下:(1) 连翘花芽分化期为5月中下旬～7月中旬, 整个过程可分为未分化期、分化初期、花萼原基分化期、花冠和雄蕊原基分化期、雌蕊原基分化期。(2) 雌雄蕊的发育紧随着花芽分化的完成而进行。9月上旬花药中分化出花粉母细胞和完整的花粉囊壁; 10月下旬胚珠的发育进入大孢子母细胞阶段。     

Influence of shoot age on floral development and early fruit set in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) cv. Hass

Floral bud development, early fruit set, bud size, leaf nitrogen and shoot starch content were recorded in spring, summer and autumn shoots of ‘Hass’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.). Floral initiation occurred in late autumn, but only in buds on terminal shoots (the last-formed shoot module on a terminal or axillary growth axis). In branching systems with three growth flushes, more flowers were produced and more fruit set on autumn and summer, than on spring flush terminal shoots. Floral development and leaf nitrogen accumulation occurred later in autumn than in summer shoots, but leaf numbers, dry and fresh weights, starch content of wood, mean floral status at anthesis and anthesis date were similar. The results suggest that nitrogen and starch were present in excess during floral development, and that shoot age did not influence the ability of a shoot to flower and set fruit, provided the shoot had sufficient vigour to produce new shoot growth in spring.     

Reproductive and vegetative bud differentiation in Olea europaea L.

Summary

The apical meristem of cv. Nocellara Etnea buds is described in the course of its anatomical progression, from July until bud break, the following spring. Differences in the apex of potentially vegetative and flower buds are already visible in the summer. In leaf buds the apex is a round dome, with two buttresses determined by leaf primordia. The cells of the outer layers are arranged in concentric rings, distinguished by different conditions of the nucleic acids. In flower buds the apical dome is less prominent, and the outer cell layers are histologically quite uniform. These characteristics remain unchanged in flower buds, and are little modified in leaf buds, until December; in January flower bud differentiation becomes more active, and both bud types start developing with increasing intensity. Our observations postulate a very early anatomical separation of the two bud types, on which further environmental factors might determine the final differentiation process.     

Florogenesis of the Mediterranean geophyte Narcissus tazetta and temperature requirements for flower initiation and differentiation

Plant florogenesis is determined by the interaction between the genetics of the individual plant and environmental factors. Flower initiation and development of many studied plant species require low temperatures. However, some geophytes form flowers within the bulb during the summer quiescence period and do not require low temperatures for florogenesis. Narcissus tazetta was employed to study, in detail, the stages of flower development during the summer period, with special emphasis on the effect of temperature on inflorescence initiation. The sequence of morphological processes occurring during floral initiation and development was observed by SEM. During 3 years, the bulbs were subjected to different storage temperatures during the summer, and records were taken of the percentage of apical meristems that shifted from vegetative to reproductive development. Flowering and inflorescence quality were recorded after planting. It was concluded that, under natural conditions, the temperature increase in June, during the growth of the mother plant, leads to the transition of the apical meristem to the reproductive stage. Floral initiation and reproductive development in N. tazetta is promoted by high temperatures with an optimum of 25 °C. Sub- and supra-optimal temperatures (20 and 30 °C) delayed differentiation, while lower temperatures (12 °C) inhibited florogenesis completely.     

Temperature and development in Iris × hollandica during preplanting storage. I. Leaf initiation

Summary

Leaf initiation was examined in Dutch iris bulbs during pre-planting storage temperature treatments in the dark. The number of leaves initiated before inflorescence evocation increased with increasing temperature. The base, optimum and maximum temperature for leaf initiation were established as –0.4, 13.1 and 26.7°C respectively. The rate of leaf initiation was shown to be linearly related to temperature. The average thermal-time required for each leaf to be initiated under constant temperatures was 79°Cd but leaves initiated during the transfer temperature treatments required an average of 92°Cd. Rates of leaf initiation predicted from thermal-time equations were similar to those observed in bulbs stored at the lower temperatures (2–13°C) but rates observed at warmer temperature (17–25°C) never reached the predicted high value.     

Effects of shading on growth rate,flower initiation and flower development of Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum

Seedlings of Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum Hort. ‘Scarletta’ were grown under 0,45, or 57% of ambient light in a glass greenhouse. Shoot dry weight, lateral shoot leaf area, total leaf area, and node number decreased under increasing shade over time. Histological examination of shoot apices indicated that floral initiation occurred two to three weeks later in plants under 57% shade than those under ambient light or 45% shade. Plants under ambient light reached visible bud about five weeks before those under 57% shade and the time of floral development from visible bud to anthesis was also shorter for plants in ambient light compared with those grown under 45 and 57% shade. Staminate flower numbers on the first inflorescence increased under 45% shade compared with ambient light and 57% shade while pistillate flower numbers were unchanged.