Search Results
The changes in cytokinins and gibberellins in xylem sap of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv. Heh yeh) trees were investigated at the stages of leaf expansion, dormant bud (when apical leaves are dropped), 30 days before flower bud formation, flower bud formation, and full bloom of grafted field-grown lychee trees. Also; the diffusible IAA and ABA in diffusate from shoot tips were examined at the successive stages of development. High gibberellin was found in the xylem sap at the stage of leaf expansion. A constant level of IAA was maintained through the five growth stages. At 30 days before flower bud formation, ABA increased dramatically. Concurrently, total cytokinin content increased in the xylem sap, reaching a maximum during flower bud formation and full bloom. Gibberellin content in the xylem sap was at a low level 30 days before flower bud formation and through the stage of flower bud formation.
Abstract
Changes in gibberellin and cytokinin activities were investigated at the stages of leaf differentiation, mature green leaves, early flower bud formation (7 days after formation), and full bloom of 3-year-old mangos (Mangifera indica L.) in pot culture. Also, diffusible IAA and ABA in the diffusate of shoot tips were examined at the different developing stages. High gibberellin and diffusable IAA activity was found in the xylem sap at leaf differentiation. Diffusible IAA decreased to a low level in shoot tip diffusates, and ABA increased dramatically during early flower bud formation. At the same time, total cytokinin-like activity increased in the xylem sap, reaching a maximum level at full bloom. Chemical names used: 1H-indole-3-acetic acid (IAA); [S-(Z,E)]-5-(l-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxo-2-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-methyl-2,4-pentadienoic acid [abscisic acid (ABA)].
An experiment was conducted to measure the effects of pulse treatments of BA, sucrose, and BA before, after, or with sucrose, on the vase life of cut Eustoma flowers. A BA pulse at 50 mg·L-1 before 4% sucrose promoted the longevity of cut Eustoma flowers better than other treatments. Simultaneously, sucrose, glucose, and mannose concentrations in flowers during vase periods were maintained at higher levels in double pulse treatments than in the single pulses. Ethylene production in flowers 2 days after vase treatment was highest in the BA-treated flowers; intermediate in flowers pulsed with BA before, after, or with sucrose; and lowest in sucrose-treated flowers. Although a BA pulse increased ethylene production over that of controls, it inhibited senescence in cut Eustoma flowers. Respiration in flowers pulse-treated with sucrose or with BA before, after, or with sucrose, was significantly higher than that in controls. Results suggest that the vase life of cut Eustoma flowers is improved by either BA or sucrose in vase solution and especially when BA was pulsed before the sucrose pulse. Chemical name used: N6-benzyladenine (BA).
Abstract
In recent years, the market price of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) has dropped steeply in the “on” year, depressing the incomes of farmers. If the flowering could be controlled, the problem could be alleviated. Normally flower bud formation of ‘Heh Yeh’ lychee occurs in late November and panicles emerge in mid-January of the next year. Nakata (3) and others obtained a flowering response in lychee with various concentrations of sodium naphthaleneacetate (SNA). Nakata indicated that blossoming of lychee in Hawaii is favored by dry autumn months followed by substantial rainfall from December to February. Under these conditions, SNA appeared to inhibit vegetative growth, which was a prerequisite for floral initiation. Attempts to induce flower bud formation with SNA and other chemical treatments have not been successful in Taiwan. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ethephon and kinetin on shoot growth and flower bud formation of field-grown lychee in Taiwan.
Gibberellin A3 (GA3: 1, 3, or 5 (μg/shoot), 6N-benzyladenine (BA: 1, 3, or 5 μg/shoot), or both were applied to the flowering shoots of a white hybrid Phalaenopsis orchid (Leda) when they were 2 to 3 cm (stage 1, no flower primordial long at high temperature (30 °C day/25 °C night). When flowering shoots were treated with GA3, alone, deformed flowers were more frequent with increasing GA3 concentrations. The occurrence of GA3-induced deformed flowers was prevented by BA at the same dose as GA3 when applied 4 days after GA3 treatment. BA (1, 3, or 5 μg/shoot) was also applied 4 days before (time 1) or 4 days after (time 2) GA3 (1 (μg/shoot) treatment for regulating plant characteristics. The application of BA at 1 or 5 μg/shoot to stage 1 flowering shoots at time 2 resulted in short internodes between florets, whereas BA application at time 1 had no effect. Simultaneously, BA at 1 or 5 μg/shoot applied at time 1 or time 2 to stage 2 (5 to 6 cm long, two- to three-flower primordia) flowering shoots also shortened internode length between florets as compared to GA3 alone. When a stage 1 flowering shoot was given BA (3 or 5, but not 1 μg/shoot) and then treated with GA3 4 days later, flower count was slightly reduced as compared to treating with (GA3 alone. However, a high dose of BA applied at time 1 or time 2 on stage 2 flowering shoots had no effect on flower count. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl)-lH-purine-6-amine [benzyladenine (BA)], gibberellic acid (GA3).