Roots & flowering

John Bryan johnbryan@worldnet.att.net
Thu, 17 Aug 2006 11:00:31 PDT
A few days ago, Robert inquired if the roots of a bulb, had anything to
do with the initiation of flowering. I do not think so. It would seem
that when needed chemical changes have taken place in the parent bulb,
it will flower. Such changes can be brought about by cooling during the
dormant period, or by being exposed to higher temperatures or by a
combination of both for determined periods of time. Or the availabilty
of moisture. As an example, a Lilium bulb, after prolonged cold
temperatures will, without light, and still in cold storage, produce a
flowering stem. Certain bulbs, such as Arum cornutum, the Voodoo Lily,
will flower without any roots being produced.

Just exactly what changes do take place to promote flowering I do not
think have been determined. What we do know is that such changes are the
result of varying temperatures being given, and for quite exact periods
and in certain sequences. Perhaps there are papers on this subject, i.e.
just what changes do take place, but I have not read any. No doubt there
is a link between such as takes place to induce Hedera helix, as an
example to produce flowering (adult) shoots. Such is also perhaps
related why apple trees fruit at a certain age. If such chemicals could
be determined, innoculants could be produced to speed such changes.
Cheers, John E. Bryan


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