scholarly journals The Role of Spur Leaves, Bourse Leaves, and Fruit on Local Flower Formation in Apple: An Approach to Understanding Biennial Bearing

HortScience ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 1229-1232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mokhles A. Elsysy ◽  
Peter M. Hirst
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Flower Formation ◽  
Seed Number ◽  
Fruit Removal ◽  
Crop Load ◽  
Biennial Bearing

Lack of consistent flower formation is the underlying cause of biennial bearing. Flower formation in apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) has been associated with different factors, such as leaf area, shoot growth, bourse length, crop load, and seed number. However, it is unclear how these different factors interact to promote or inhibit flower formation. The effect of spur defoliation, fruit removal, and their interaction were evaluated on spur flower formation and bourse length in annual-bearing ‘Gala’ and the biennial-bearing ‘Honeycrisp’. Eight different combinations of spur defoliation and fruiting treatments were applied in three consecutive springs, 2013–15. Bourse shoot defoliation and fruiting treatments inhibited spur flower formation in both cultivars, but in different patterns from year to year. In addition, spur leaf defoliation did not affect flower formation in either cultivar. Furthermore, local defoliation and fruiting treatments did not affect bourse length. We propose that bourse leaves play a major role in both producing and transporting flower formation signals, but the effect depends on cultivar.

scholarly journals High crop load and low temperature delay the onset of bud initiation in apple

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Kofler ◽  
Anton Milyaev ◽  
Filippo Capezzone ◽  
Slobodan Stojnić ◽  
Nikola Mićić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Floral Development ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Flower Formation ◽  
Heat Accumulation ◽  
Flower Bud ◽  
Crop Load ◽  
Biennial Bearing ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Growing Degree Hours ◽  
Bud Initiation

AbstractThe reproductive cycle of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) starts with the induction of floral development, however, first morphological changes within the bud appear during the following period of bud initiation. This study identifies the onset and duration of bud initiation in the apple cultivars ‘Fuji’ and ‘Gala’, characterized by biennial and non-biennial bearing behaviour, respectively, and describes the effect of crop load and heat accumulation on the temporal pattern of floral development. The onset of flower bud initiation in heavy cropping ‘Gala’ trees was delayed for 20 days compared to trees with no crop load, but the rate of initiation was not affected by crop load. Bud initiation on heavy cropping ‘Fuji’ trees was minor, whereas trees with no crop load started initiating buds 19 days earlier than those of ‘Gala’ despite the same cropping status and growing degree hours in a given year. The onset of bud initiation in ‘Fuji’ ‘off’ trees was 5 and 20 days after summer solstice, respectively, in two consecutive growing seasons, suggesting that this process is driven by heat accumulation rather than by daylength. The results indicate, that the genetic make-up of the cultivar determines the onset of bud initiation. This can be delayed by increasing crop loads and low temperatures at the beginning of the flower formation process.

scholarly journals Influence of night-breaks on flowering and phytohormones content in Hyoscyamus niger L.

2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
Jan Kopcewicz ◽  
Gabriela Centkowska
Keyword(s):  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Flower Formation ◽  
Endogenous Hormones ◽  
Hyoscyamus Niger ◽  
General Increase ◽  
Long Day ◽  
Long Day Plants ◽  
Inductive Photoperiod ◽  
The Way

Night-breaks caused both stimulated shoot growth and caused formation of flowers as well as a general increase in the content of phytohormones in leaves of the long-day plant <em>Hyoscyamus niger</em> L. At the time of flower formation in night-break treated plants, new gibberellin-like substances also appear. The results show that night-breaks cause similar changes in the phytohormones content as a long inductive photoperiod. It may be assumed that independently of the way of induction, the generative differentiation of long-day plants is always accompanied by a general increase in the amount of endogenous hormones and the appearance of new gibberellins. These results suggest the possibility of a morphogenetic role of hormones, especially gibberellins, in the phenomena of flower formation and differentiation.

scholarly journals Effect of Fruiting and Biennial Bearing Potential on Spur Quality and Leaf Gas Exchange in Apple

2019 ◽  
Vol 144 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-37
Author(s):  
Mokhles A. Elsysy ◽  
Michael V. Mickelbart ◽  
Peter M. Hirst
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Stomatal Density ◽  
Leaf Gas Exchange ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Flower Formation ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Biennial Bearing ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Carbohydrate Status

Uniform annual apple (Malus ×domestica) fruit production is highly dependent on consistent flower formation from year to year, as inconsistent flowering can lead to the biennial bearing observed in some high-value cultivars. The presence of fruit on a spur has been considered the main cause of the expression of biennial bearing and the inhibition of flower initiation, with a number of theories being introduced to explain the phenomenon. In the current experiment, individual spurs of annual bearing cultivars (Gala, Ruby Jon, and Pink Lady) and biennial bearing cultivars (Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Golden Delicious) were thinned to a single fruit or completely defruited at petal fall. Spurs were sampled at the end of the growing season. Effects of fruiting on spur characteristics such as spur and bourse leaf area, stomatal density, leaf gas exchange, and flower formation were determined. Across all cultivars, the presence of fruit on a spur did not affect spur characteristics or flower formation compared with nonfruiting spurs. Similarly, flowering was unaffected by those factors associated with greater spur carbohydrate status, such as bourse leaf area and assimilation rate. Cultivars with greater transpiration and stomatal conductance (gs) rates had lower rates of flower formation. Future studies should focus on xylem flow and expression of genes regulating flowering and plant growth regulators in annual and biennial bearing cultivars.

Interaction Between CPPU and NAA on Fruit Thinning and Fruit Development in Selected Apple Cultivars

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 513c-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin J. Bukovac ◽  
Jerome Hull ◽  
John C. Neilsen ◽  
Michael Schroeder ◽  
Georg Noga
Keyword(s):  
Total Yield ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Frost Damage ◽  
Fruit Growth ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Seed Number ◽  
Crop Load ◽  
Fruit Thinning ◽  
Carpel Development ◽  
Return Bloom

NAA is used extensively for fruit thinning of apples to increase fruit size and to promote return bloom. In some cultivars, even if thinning is achieved, fruit size at harvest may be less than expected based on crop load. CPPU, N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N.-phenylurea, has been shown to increase fruit growth in apples, grapes, and kiwi. We evaluated combinations of NAA and CPPU on thinning, fruit growth and return bloom in Redchief `Delicious', `Elstar', and `Gloster'. CPPU was applied at 5 mgμL–1 (based on 0 to 10 mgμL–1 response curve) in combination with 15 mgμL–1 NAA as high-volume sprays at 7 to 10 mm KFD. Yield and fruit size distribution (on total yield) were used as index of response. In `Delicious', CPPU (3-year study) increased % large (70 mm+) fruit, but in the presence of NAA % large fruit was reduced 2 of the 3 years. CPPU did not induce significant thinning. There were no significant effects on color or soluble solids; firmness was increased slightly and seed number reduced. The L/D ratio was increased and uneven lobe and carpel development was common. CPPU had no significant effect on return bloom in presence or absence of NAA, but NAA increased bloom in both the presence and absence of CPPU. With `Elstar' (2-year study) there was no significant thinning with either chemical, but CPPU increased mean fruit size and % large (70–80 mm) fruit over nonthinned, but not significantly greater than NAA alone. There were no significant differences in firmness, color, soluble solids or seed number. NAA + CPPU did not inhibit fruit growth or cause excessive uneven carpel development. Frost damage reduced crop load in `Gloster' where results were similar to `Elstar' except seed number was reduced by the NAA + CPPU combination.

scholarly journals Influence de la charge sur la production et la croissance de la vigne (c.v. Merlot)

OENO One ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
M. Nikov
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Yield Ratio ◽  
Primary Factor ◽  
First Year ◽  
Parabolic Curve ◽  
Grape Quality ◽  
Single Shoot ◽  
The Relationship

<p style="text-align: justify;">L'étude est menée avec le cépage Merlot conduit en forme haute et à une distance de 3,40 x 1,20 m. Les vignes supportent des charges individuelles de 26, 32, 38 ... jusqu'à 62 bourgeons par cep. La relation entre le nombre d'yeux et le rendement par souche se caractérise par une courbe parabolique avec un maximum autour de 50 bourgeons par cep. L'augmentation de charge au-delà de l'optimum exerce une influence inhibitrice sur la croissance des rameaux individuels depuis la première année. Le rapport entre la surface foliaire et la production représente un facteur essentiel pour la qualité du raisin.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">+++</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The study involves Merlot variety trained with an high trunk and a 3,40 x 1,20 m spacing. The vines support individual pruning levels of 26, 32, 38 ... up to 62 buds/vine. The relationship between bud number and yield per vine is characterized by a parabolic curve with a maximum around 50 buds/vine. The increase in pruning level beyond the optimum induces an inhibitory effect on single shoot growth since the first year. The leaf area : yield ratio represents a primary factor of grape quality.</p>

scholarly journals The effect of rainfall amount and timing on annual transpiration in a grazed savanna grassland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matti Räsänen ◽  
Mika Aurela ◽  
Ville Vakkari ◽  
Johan P. Beukes ◽  
Juha-Pekka Tuovinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Gross Primary Production ◽  
Co2 Exchange ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Area Index ◽  
C4 Grass ◽  
Precipitation Timing ◽  
Dry Spells ◽  
Annual Water

Abstract. The role of precipitation (P) variability on evapotranspiration (ET) and its two components, transpiration (T) and evaporation (E) from savannas, continues to draw significant research interest given its relevance to a number of eco-hydrological applications. Our study reports on six years of measured ET and estimated T and E from a grazed savanna grassland in Welgegund, South Africa. Annual P varied significantly in amount (508 to 672 mm yr−1), with dry years characterized by infrequent early-season rainfall. T was determined using annual water-use efficiency and gross primary production estimates derived from eddy covariance measurements of latent heat flux and net ecosystem CO2 exchange rates. The computed annual T was nearly constant, 331 ± 11 mm yr−1 (T/ET = 0.52), for the four wet years with frequent early wet-season rainfall, whereas annual T was 268 and 175 mm yr−1 during the dry years. Annual T/ET was linearly related to the early wet-season storm frequency. The constancy of annual T during wet years is explained by the moderate water stress of C4 grass and constant annual tree transpiration covering 15 % of the landscape. However, grass transpiration declines during dry spells. Moreover, grasses respond to water availability with a dieback-regrowth pattern, reducing leaf area and transpiration during drought. These changes lead to an anomalous monthly T/ET relation to leaf-area index (LAI). The results highlight the role of the C4 grass layer in the hydrological balance and suggest that the grass response to dry spells and drought is reasonably described by precipitation timing.

Response of aboveground biomass increment, growth efficiency, and foliar nutrients to thinning, fertilization, and pruning in young Douglas-fir plantations in the central Oregon Cascades

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1278-1289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Velazquez-Martinez ◽  
David A. Perry ◽  
Tom E. Bell
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Biomass Increment ◽  
Oregon Cascades

The effect of thinning and cultural practices (multinutrient fertilization, pruning) on total aboveground biomass increment and growth efficiency was studied over three consecutive 2-year periods (1981–1987) in young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations. Net aboveground biomass increment over the 6-year period averaged 14.5, 7.8, and 5.5 Mg•ha−1•year−1 for the high-, medium-, and low-density plots, respectively. Growth efficiency, after dropping sharply between leaf area indexes of 1 and 6 m2/m2, remained relatively constant up to a leaf area index of 17, the highest measured. Consequently, aboveground biomass increment continued to increase at leaf area indexes well above that at which the Beer–Lambert law predicts maximum light should be absorbed. Foliage analyses indicate that thinning improved nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium nutrition and increased the translocation of potassium from 1-year-old foliage to support new growth. However, fertilization increased foliar nitrogen and phosphorus contents only when coupled with pruning, suggesting that trees favor total leaf area over individual needle nutrition. Indications of potassium and magnesium limitations in this study are supported by other recent studies in Douglas-fir. Further work on the role of multinutrient deficiencies in this species is warranted.

scholarly journals Hormesis in Plants: The Role of Oxidative Stress, Auxins and Photosynthesis in Corn Treated with Cd or Pb

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugeniusz Małkowski ◽  
Krzysztof Sitko ◽  
Michał Szopiński ◽  
Żaneta Gieroń ◽  
Marta Pogrzeba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Photosynthetic Apparatus ◽  
Growth Stimulation ◽  
Photosynthetic Parameters ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Common ◽  
Stimulation Of

Hormesis, which describes the stimulatory effect of low doses of toxic substances on growth, is a well-known phenomenon in the plant and animal kingdoms. However, the mechanisms that are involved in this phenomenon are still poorly understood. We performed preliminary studies on corn coleoptile sections, which showed a positive correlation between the stimulation of growth by Cd or Pb and an increase in the auxin and H2O2 content in the coleoptile sections. Subsequently, we grew corn seedlings in hydroponic culture and tested a wide range of Cd or Pb concentrations in order to determine hormetic growth stimulation. In these seedlings the gas exchange and the chlorophyll a fluorescence, as well as the content of chlorophyll, flavonol, auxin and hydrogen peroxide, were measured. We found that during the hormetic stimulation of growth, the response of the photosynthetic apparatus to Cd and Pb differed significantly. While the application of Cd mostly caused a decrease in various photosynthetic parameters, the application of Pb stimulated some of them. Nevertheless, we discovered that the common features of the hormetic stimulation of shoot growth by heavy metals are an increase in the auxin and flavonol content and the maintenance of hydrogen peroxide at the same level as the control plants.

Compensatory Responses of Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) and Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) to Partial Shading

Weed Science ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 541-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie E. Regnier ◽  
S. Kent Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Shade Tolerance ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Branch Length ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Xanthium Strumarium ◽  
Leaf Angle ◽  
Petiole Length ◽  
Partial Shading ◽  
Total Plant

Lower leaves of greenhouse-grown common cocklebur and velvetleaf were shaded to 5% of full light over a 12-d period while upper leaves remained exposed to full light to determine weed foliar and branching responses to partial shading similar to that encountered in soybean crops. Shading increased lower leaf senescence and specific leaf area, and decreased branch length and number of second-order leaves in both species compared to unshaded controls. Common cocklebur branched more extensively along the lower portion of its stem than velvetleaf under both shaded and unshaded conditions. Upper leaves of partially shaded velvetleaf were held in a more perpendicular position to the light source beginning 3 days after treatment (DAT) compared to upper leaves of unshaded plants. Shading of lower leaves caused an increase in upper (unshaded) leaf area beginning 3 and 6 DAT in velvetleaf and common cocklebur, respectively. Petiole length of upper leaves also increased in response to shading in both species. Total plant dry weight at 12 DAT was unaffected by shading in velvetleaf but was reduced 10% by shading in common cocklebur. While common cocklebur maintained greater lower shoot growth in the presence of shade than velvetleaf, there was a greater change in upper leaf angle by velvetleaf in response to shading than by common cocklebur. These results support previous field observations of apparent greater shade tolerance of common cocklebur compared to velvetleaf and indicate that both species have the ability to compensate for shading of lower leaves by altering upper shoot growth.

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