Photoperiodism in plants

Discussion in 'Plants: Science and Cultivation' started by profemina, Jun 19, 2011.

  1. profemina

    profemina Member

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    Flowering in many plants is induced by length of day and night.How do plants know when it is spring time or winter time?
     
    Last edited: Jun 20, 2011
  2. Lysichiton

    Lysichiton Active Member

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    Weelll...A good thing to google might be "phytochrome physiology".

    A very oversimplified explanation is that phytochrome is a pigment in plants that is sensitive to red light & it exists in 2 forms. It changes from one to the other in the dark. The form that is maintained by (red) light will gradually accumulate when the dark period decreases (spring) & at a certain level it will trigger flower bud development. Similar but opposite reaction for short-day (fall flowering) plants.

    These pigments control germination & other reactions in some plants as well.

    This stuff should be covered in to "plant physiology 101". My explanation is too basic & full of gaps to show the elegance of these mechanisms.

    E. & O.E.
     

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